Las Vegas (September 14, 2022) – 2-Time World Champion Marcos Maidana has confirmed that he will appear alongside the “WBA” at the Sixth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will also coincide with the mega trilogy fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Gennady Golovkin, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena.

Maidana will hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at the “WBA” World Boxing Association booth during the fan event held over the Mexican Independence Day weekend.

The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, and Canelo vs. Jacobs. Centered in boxing’s longtime home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. http://boxfanexpo.com – @BoxFanExpo

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite -https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2022

Maidana will make his second appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Boxing Fans will have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing star also known as “El Chino” and also purchase Merchandise from the WBA booth.

Maidana joins Roy Jones Jr., Roberto Duran, the WBA, Badou Jack, Seniesa Estrada, Ryan Garcia, Teofimo Lopez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Michael Spinks, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Marco Antonio Barrera, Rolando Romero, Jose Ramírez, David Benavidez, Shawn Porter, Jessie Vargas and Erik Morales as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more Boxing stars to be announced.

About Marcos Maidana

Maidana is an Argentine former professional boxer who competed from 2004 to 2014. He is a two-weight world champion, having held the WBA (Regular) super lightweight title from 2011 to 2012, and the WBA welterweight title from 2013 to 2014. An exciting and versatile pressure fighter to watch in the ring, Maidana was well known for his formidable punching power, always delivery incredible performances and was never stopped in any of his 40 professional fights

About Box Fan Expo

?Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet the stars of boxing that represent the past, present and future of the sport. With hosted autograph signings, meet-and-greets with current and former boxing world champions, limited edition merchandise for sale, giveaways and more, this is the ultimate event for fans of the sport.

Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Andre Ward, Mikey Garcia, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, David Benavidez, Errol Spence Jr, Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Vinny Paz, Mia St.John, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Danny Jacobs, Claressa Shields, Teofimo Lopez, Brandon Rios, Jorge Linares, and many more.

Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.

Throughout the next few days leading up to the Event, there will be more updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite –

To request information on exhibiting and sponsorship at the Expo:

For media credentials:

Contact us:

Telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter and Instagram at: @BoxFanExpo

Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

WHAT: SHOWTIME Sports’ Friday night series SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS will continue this week with two blockbuster matchups featuring all-time great Floyd Mayweather. In the first replay, Mayweather faces Argentine power-puncher Marcos Maidana for the WBA and WBC Welterweight Championships in one of the most competitive fights of the Hall of Famer’s career. The second fight features the undefeated Mayweather coming back from retirement to face mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor in one of the biggest global sporting events in recent memory.

WHEN: Tonight/Friday, May 15, at 10 p.m. ET/PT – Immediately following the premiere of BASKETBALL COUNTY: In The Water, documentary from executive producers Kevin Durant and Thirty Five Ventures’ Rich Kleiman.

WHERE TO WATCH: On SHOWTIME^®, via the SHOWTIME streaming service and SHOWTIME ANYTIME^®.

ADDED COVERAGE: During Friday’s SHOWTIME BOXING CLASSICS telecast, combat sports analysts Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell will host a live digital companion series titled MORNING KOMBAT CLASSICS on the Morning Kombat YouTube Channel. They will watch the fights along with viewers, give their real-time reactions, and take questions from fans throughout the replay. Viewers can follow along and participate in the discussion by using the hashtag #FightFromHome on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, former world champion Marcos Maidana will return to the ring after almost a five-year retirement.

“‘El Chino’ returns to the ring. Today we just signed a contract for a very good amount (of money). Very tempting and that brought us here,” Maidana said.

he plan is for Maidana to work himself into shape and return for a tune-up fight in mid or late summer and then have a major fight later in the fall. The PBC roster is loaded with top welterweights, including world titleholders Pacquiao, Thurman, Errol Spence Jr. and Shawn Porter as well as former titlist Danny Garcia.

By Norm Frauenheim-

Adrien Broner looks at Mikey Garcia and says he see no hints of his past. There’s nothing in Garcia that looks, or fights, or wins like Marcos Maidana, says Broner, who has been trying to resurrect his career ever since a 2013 loss to Maidana.

“He ain’t no effin Maidana,’’ Broner said Thursday at the final news conference before the Showtime telecast of the crossroads confrontation with Garcia Saturday night at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. “He’s nowhere near Maidana.

No, he’s not. He’s better.

The real question is whether Broner (33-2, 24 KOs) is any better than he was against Maidana on that December night in a stunner at San Antonio’s Alamodome. He’ll have to be against Garcia (36-0, 30 KOs), who appears to have all Maidana’s power and is more fundamentally sound than the Argentine ever was.

If anything, the Maidana-Garcia comparison seems to have annoyed, if not rattled, Broner. It’s in his head and probably for good reason. Been there, done that and he definitely doesn’t want to have to endure it all over again. That’s just one compelling stake among many in the junior-welterweight bout (6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET). Beat Garcia, and Broner can finally declare that he’s back, all the way back.

“I don’t think that he’s going to be desperate, but he knows that I’m not an easy opponent,’’ Garcia said during his turn at the speaker’s dais Thursday. “That’s why he’s taken camp so seriously. I expect him to be at his best and be ready. He knows if he beats me he can launch his career back to where it was.’’

On paper at least, Broner appears to have a key advantage. Broner, who lost to Maidana at 147 pounds, is back at 140, a weight at which he has never lost. Still, there are some questions about whether he’ll make weight Friday. If he doesn’t, he pays a $500,000 fine, according to his contract. That’s plenty of motivation, he said.

“I ain’t giving nothing back,’’ Broner said last week during a conference call.

The guess here is that Broner won’t eat any cake before he steps on the scale. His birthday is Friday. He’ll be 28 at opening bell, presumably smarter and better prepared for the tactical savvy possessed by the favored Garcia.

“I’m going to lo look to box effectively and show that I’m the better fighter,’’ said Garcia, whose brother and trainer, Robert Garcia, was in Maidana’s corner. “We’re both smart fighters but neither of us will run from the other. When you have styles like ours, with two guys who like to exchange punches, you’re in for a great battle.

“I think Adrien will be fine with the weight. He’s a pro and he knows that he really has to make weight. He’s learned from his mistakes. Sometimes he jokes around but that’s just part of his character. He takes things a lot more seriously because he’s facing me.’’

Broner is facing somebody who hopes to enhance his pound-for-pound credentials. There’s talk about Garcia in a fight against Terence Crawford and/or Vasyl Lomachenko. Garcia, who has a lightweight belt, has doubts about both. There are differences in weight. Crawford, a 140-pound champion, appears headed for 147. Lomachenko is still at 130. More problematic, both are Top Rank fighters. Garcia left Top Rank in a divorce that kept him out of the ring for more than two years.

For now, Garcia appears more interested in a lightweight unification bout against the Jorge Linares-Luke Campbell winner on Sept. 23 at The Forum in Inglewood, Calif.

“I won’t let Adrien Broner stand in my way,’’ Garcia said. “This is my chance to show the best version of myself.”

A version that won’t look anything like Maidana.
Attachments area

Las Vegas (April 26, 2017) – 2 Time World Champion Marcos Maidana has confirmed that he will appear to Meet & Greet his fans at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the 3rd edition of Box Fan Expo that will take place Saturday May 6, 2017 from 10am to 5pm, during Cinco De Mayo weekend. The Boxing Expo will also coincide with the mega fight between Canelo Alvarez vs Julio Cesar Chavez jr, that will take place later that evening.

Maidana will appear for the first time at this years’ Expo at the World Boxing Association “WBA” booth and will be signing gloves, photos and merchandise. Boxing fans will also have a great opportunity to take pictures with “El Chino” the Argentinean boxing star. Fans will also be greeted with surprises by Maidana and the WBA at this years’ Expo.

Maidana is an Argentine former professional boxer who competed from 2004 to 2014. He is a two-weight world champion, having held the WBA (Regular) super lightweight title from 2011 to 2012, and the WBA welterweight title from 2013 to 2014. An exciting and versatile pressure fighter to watch in the ring, Maidana was well known for his formidable punching power, always delivery incredible performances and was never stopped in any of his 40 professional fights.

Marcos Maidana joins, WBA, Jessie Vargas, Mayweather Promotions, Marco Antonio Barrera, Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, Yuriorkis Gamboa, Al Bernstein, Thomas Hearns, Kronk Boxing, WBC, Christy Martin, Mia St.John, Fernando Vargas and Joel Casamayor among early commitments to this year’s Box Fan Expo.

Box Fan Expo has been a huge success with fans and boxing industry people. Many boxing stars have attended the last two Expo’s such as Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Roy Jones Jr., Sergio Martinez, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Tim Bradley, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Shawn Porter, Fernando Vargas, Zab Judah, James Toney, Vinny Pazienza, Mikey Garcia , Mia St.Johns, Leo Santa Cruz, Badou Jack, Terry Norris , Riddick Bowe , Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks and many more…

Exhibitors such as boxing gear, apparel, new equipments, energy drinks, alcohol, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies and other companies who wish to participate will once again have a chance to showcase their brand to fans, media and the boxing industry.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:
http://www.boxfanexpo.eventbrite.com

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to Meet and Greet Boxing Superstars of today, current and former world champions, Legends of the sport and other boxing Celebrities at their booth. On Site, fans will experience different activities from Autograph Sessions, Photo Sessions, FaceOff with your favorite boxers, as well as a chance to purchase merchandise and memorabilia from their booth, plus so much more… you won’t want to miss this must-attend Expo!

Box Fan Expo will also feature top boxing organizations, promoters, ring card girls, famous trainers and commentators as well as boxing gear companies “ALL UNDER ONE ROOF”.

Throughout the next 10 days leading up to the Event, there will be more announcements on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

And for anyone in the Boxing industry or other Exhibitors (non-industry), who would like to be involved and reserve a Booth, contact Box Fan Expo:

Telephone number: (514) 572-7222 or Las Vegas Number (702) 997-1927

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on the Box Fan Expo is available at: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

You can follow Box Fan Expo on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BoxFanExpo

and on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

According to Dab Rafael former world champion Marcos Maidana announced his retirement.

“After a long time out of the ring and after giving it a lot of thought since my last fight I’ve decided to hang up the gloves for good,” Maidana wrote in a letter addressed to “boxing friends” on social media. “Probably my decision would not surprise much as I had given hints of it in the last few months. But at this time I am making it official.

“Before anything else, I must say that I leave very proud and deeply thankful to boxing and everything that I have achieved. I’ve really never imagined getting this far when I put on a pair of gloves for the very first time when I was 15 in my native Margarita City. I think I was able to put the name of my country Argentina very high after winning two world titles, winning and losing against the best fighters of the world.

“I had a tough career and I fulfilled many of my dreams. I am a very happy man with my family and friends by my side these days. I know many of you think that I still have things to do and battles to fight. And I respect them. That is something that I had in my mind in the last few months. But only those who really know what a real challenge is, like the ones I always had, may understand that you have to be absolutely motivated to approach them.

“Only through a great physical and mental effort you can mix in the ring with best of the world if winning is your goal. And I always wanted to win. Today I do not feel motivated enough, do not have the fire inside me to intend to climb those mountains again. That is why I announce my retirement. At this time when I take a look back at my career I want to thank so many people that helped me to have what I call a successful career.”

“To my parents, Olga and Americo, to my wife Mariana, to my son Nahuel and my daughter Emilia, to all of them, thanks for standing by me for such a long ride,” he said. “Last but not the least, to my dear fans, who always supported and cheered me either from their homes or from the stands of all the arenas where I fought. I will never forget that chanting: ‘Chi-nooooo, Chi-nooooo!'”

“At this time I start a new stage in which I will remain close to boxing, advising and unconditionally supporting ‘Team Maidana,’ aiming for new generations to reach the highest levels,” Maidana said. “I will be there for our (featherweight titlist) Jesus Cuellar, for new great prospects like Brian Castaño, my brother Fabian Maidana (and) Alan Castaño, who are already making some noise internationally; for Javier Maciel. Also I will be there for the new kids like Neri Romero and Luis Veron. And most likely I will be there for many others who will join us along the road looking for great challenges. My goal is to pass the baton over to them now.”

NEW YORK (Aug. 4, 2016) – In continuation of the 30th anniversary year of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, the network will feature four of its most memorable “UPSETS”. For the past three decades SHOWTIME Sports® has been home to countless upsets—some of the most shocking each year. Whether it be SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING or, for the last 15 years, ShoBox: The New Generation, fighters often face their biggest challenges, their most fierce opponents, live on SHOWTIME.

It started in 1986 when Iran Barkley knocked out heavily favored Thomas Hearns and continued through this past weekend when Carl Frampton edged the favored featherweight champion Leo Santa Cruz by decision in thrilling Fight of the Year candidate. To date, some 151 fighters have suffered their initial loss on ShoBox since the series premiere in July 2001.

Below is the schedule of SHOWTIME EXTREME premieres for the month of August:

· Thursday, Aug. 4: Josesito Lopez vs. Victor Ortiz

· Thursday, Aug. 11: Marcos Maidana vs. Adrien Broner – Ring Magazine 2013 Upset of the Year

· Thursday, Aug. 18: Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson I – Ring Magazine 1996 Fight of the Year and Upset of The Year; Holyfield was named The Fighter of the Year by The Ring and Boxing Writers Association of America

· Thursday, Aug. 25: Austin Trout vs. Miguel Cotto

These unforgettable battles will air on “Throwback Thursdays” on SHOWTIME EXTREME (10 p.m. ET/PT) throughout the month of August and will be available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and via the network’s online streaming service. Each fight will be wrapped with context and commentary from SHOWTIME Sports host Brian Custer.

“Throwback Thursday” Tidbits

Lopez vs. Ortiz – June 23, 2012 – Staples Center, Los Angeles, Calif.

Former welterweight world champion Ortiz was set to fight Canelo Alvarez in September. All he needed to do was to win his upcoming match. After two fights with Andre Berto earlier in the year fell through, Ortiz took on the relatively unknown and inexperienced Lopez. Stepping up in weight and competing for the first time as a welter, Lopez became the “Riverside Rocky” as he shocked the boxing world by breaking Ortiz’s jaw and winning by TKO.

Lopez rallied to triumph despite swelling to his left eye from the end of the sixth round on. After nine rounds, he was trailing on all three scorecards (88-83, 87-84 and 86-85). But in the ninth of what had been a back-and-forth, seesaw, tough battle, Lopez connected late with a punch to Ortiz’s jaw that broke it on impact. Moments later, the skirmish was stopped when Ortiz said he could not continue because of a broken jaw. Lopez landed a fight against Canelo. The unbelievable upset remains the biggest victory of Lopez’s career.

Maidana vs. Broner – Dec. 14, 2013, Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas

The unbeaten Broner, a 5-1 favorite to retain his WBA Welterweight World Title on his first defense, was instead dealt his first defeat.

A poised yet aggressive Maidana, the target of heavy trash talk all week, overpowered and dominated the brash Broner from the outset while putting him down for the first time in his career. In a surprisingly one-sided performance, Maidana scored knockdowns in the second and eighth and won a 12-round unanimous decision by the scores of 119-109, 116-109 and 115-111. While tying Maidana up after going down in the eighth, Broner absorbed what appeared to be an intentional headbutt. Broner’s reaction: He over-dramatized the effect of it, falling to the canvas in a heap and rolling over in agony. Maidana more than doubled Broner’s punch output, out-throwing him, 964-400.

After the decision was announced, Broner exited the ring hastily without being interviewed by SHOWTIME or congratulating Maidana. Fans booed at Broner as he made his way back to the dressing room. The victory propelled Maidana into two consecutive fights against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Holyfield vs. Tyson I – Nov. 9, 1996, MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nev.

In one of the most legendary and monumental bombshells in history, Holyfield, who opened as a 25-1 underdog, bullied the bully and stopped Tyson on a TKO at 0:37 of the 11th round to capture the WBA Heavyweight World Title.

Holyfield, a built-up cruiserweight not known for power, utilized his reach advantage and superior strength to engage Tyson and fight him on his terms. The action was intense and non-stop; Holyfield applied constant pressure and kept in close to nullify Tyson’s power (left hook). Tyson landed hard shots, but only one at a time, and Holyfield took them all. As the bout wore on, Tyson wore down. With 20 seconds remaining in the 10th, Holyfield chilled Tyson with a right hand to the chin. A barrage of powerful combinations to the head and body sent Tyson staggering backward into the ropes. Tyson, out on his feet and defenseless, was saved by the bell. Thirty-seven seconds into the 11th, Holyfield landed a big right that left Tyson staggering again. Moments later, the referee stopped the fight. Holyfield was ahead by 100-93 and 96-92 twice.

A fight that was aired on SHOWTIME PPV® was supposed to be a mere formality for Tyson: he’d won eight straight since bowing to Buster Douglas in Japan and Holyfield was thought to be “washed-up” after three lackluster performances in a row. It was the third time Holyfield attained a heavyweight title; he was the first one to do so since Muhammad Ali. The Holyfield-Tyson rematch took place seven months later (June 28, 1997).

Trout vs. Cotto – Dec. 1, 2012, Madison Square Garden, New York, N.Y.

Cotto, a Puerto Rican hero and three-division world champion, was deemed unbeatable in New York where he was 9-0—7-0 at Madison Square Garden. He had a fight slated with Canelo Alvarez next. Seven months after dropping a competitive decision to Floyd Mayweather Jr., all Cotto had to do was hook Trout, throw him back to sea and then, gear up for the deepest waters. It was that simple, but it didn’t go as planned. Trout won a controversial 12-round unanimous decision. He boxed beautifully to successfully defend his WBA Super Welterweight Title for the fifth time (119-109 and 117-111 twice).

With the majority of his passionate fans cheering and waving Puerto Rican flags, Cotto came on strongly in the middle rounds, trapping Trout on the ropes and keeping him there. He had his greatest success in the closing seconds of the 10th when he backed Trout into a corner and dazed him with a flurry of punches. The big crowd erupted. But southpaw Trout silenced them by cranking up the pressure and roughing up Cotto the last two rounds. Cotto was bidding for a fifth world title. Trout got the shot at Canelo.

# # #

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon and Google. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, Sony PlayStation® Vue and Amazon Prime Video. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to www.SHO.com.

As part of the ongoing 30th Anniversary celebration of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING®, relive the two of the most memorable and meaningful events in Mayweather’s magnificent 19-year career tonight at 10 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME EXTREME.

This week’s lineup of “Throwback Thursday” kicks off with the record-shattering “Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao,” followed by “INSIDE MAYWEATHER vs. PACQUIAO Epilogue,” “THE MOMENT: Mayweather vs. Maidana” and “ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Maidana Epilogue.”

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Round 11

YOUTUBE: http://s.sho.com/1OQazST

DOWNLOAD LINK: https://we.tl/6k58i7vmeY

Mayweather vs. Maidana I: Round 7

YOUTUBE: YOUTUBE: http://s.sho.com/1T62ZA4

DOWNLOAD LINK: https://we.tl/RMx6P9b4uH

Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, Mayweather vs. Maidana I, and all of the classic fights presented as part of the 30th Anniversary, are available on SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, SHOWTIME ANYTIME® and via the network’s online streaming service.

April 26, 2016 – Leading up to the highly anticipated middleweight championship between Canelo Alvarez and Amir Khan – set for Saturday, May 7 and presented live by HBO Pay-Per-View® – HBO Sports will present the exclusive replay of two intriguing showdowns that highlight the remarkable skill and will of these competitors.

On Friday, April 29 at 11:00 p.m. (ET/PT), HBO2 will replay Cotto vs. Canelo 2015 and Khan vs. Maidana 2010 back-to-back. This past November in the bright spotlight of Las Vegas, Canelo imposed his strength on a valiant warrior as he scored a major win over sure-fire Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto to capture the lineal world middleweight championship. On December 11, 2010 in Las Vegas, Khan won a unanimous decision against the highly skilled Marcos Maidana in a high-action contest that earned BWAA selection for “Fight of the Year” honors.

Both fights will also be available 24 hours a day to HBO NOW, HBO On Demand® and HBO GO® subscribers.

Canelo vs. Khan takes place Saturday, May 7 at the new T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/ 6:00 p.m. PT.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, The son’s of former Heavyweight world champion Hasim Rahman have filed suit against Floyd Mayweather, Floyd Mayweathwer and Showtime for alleged sparring sessions that aired during the All Access show that was aired in the buildup to the Mayweather – Maidana rematch.

Upset that his brother had taken such a vicious pounding, Hasim Rahman Jr. arrived at the gym and challenged the smaller Cameron to get into the ring with him. While members of the gym lined up wagers, including Mayweather, they fought for 31 consecutive minutes, according to the telecast and lawsuit, until Cameron could not go on. All the while, Mayweather was present and cheering wildly.

The suit alleges that “Mayweather forced Sharif to fight multiple rounds of approximately 5, 6 and 7 minutes in length.” Sharif contends that he asked for traditional three-minute rounds but Mayweather said “this is the doghouse” and to “turn those bells off.”

“Sharif feared for his safety and was forced to continue to fight,” the suit said.

On Sept. 23, Mayweather testified — although not under oath — to the commission that the sparring scenes (as well as others featuring several of Mayweather’s girlfriends smoking marijuana in front of him in his Las Vegas home) were staged for the television show in order to help boost pay-per-view sales. He said the 31-minute sparring session did not happen as the fighters were allowed to take several breaks. He also told the commission that the gambling shown in the episode was also fake.

“With ‘All Access,’ we’re able to edit and chop footage the way we want,” Mayweather told the commission.

The commission was concerned over the lack of regard for the health and safety of the fighters and questioned him about the “doghouse” fights but accepted his version of events and closed the matter — much to the surprise of many, because there were numerous people in the gym, including Showtime production personnel, who were not questioned about the sparring.

“Defendant Mayweather knowingly misrepresented facts while testifying before the Nevada State Athletic Commission,” the suit said.

Floyd Mayweather claimed his 47th win against Marcos Maidana at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
“Mayhem” was a massive event just like all Floyd Mayweather’s fights have become. It’s not just a fight but an event, and a global event at that.

Stars from the world of sports, film, music and fashion fly into Las Vegas just to watch Floyd fight.
Fight week started with fighter arrivals on Tuesday, Floyd had his final press conference on Wednesday. Thursday was the undercard press conference, with fan workouts and autograph signing, and a screening at Bleacher’s madhouse for the fans in the evening. Friday was the weigh in, where Rick Ross took the stage to entertain the 10,000 strong crowd before Floyd and Marcos Maidana took centre stage.
new ashley two I was seated next to Badou Jack and Ishe Smith, just behind Danny Garcia and Adrien Broner. I was surrounded by world champions and boxing legends. Danny Jacobs, Peter Quillen, Evander Holyfield and Paul Williams, who is now disabled after a motorcycle crash, and boxing legends Erik Morales and Sergio Martinez.
Who would have thought that I’d be rubbing shoulders with these guys who now know me by name, and show me respect. That makes me so proud. “Work so hard that your idols become your rivals” comes to mind.

Rival, the Canadian based boxing equipment provider, had a shop opening in Las Vegas. I headed down there with Badou and former world champion, Lou DeValle. Sugar Ray Leonard, Lennox Lewis, Hasim Rahman, Roy Jones, Jean Pascal, Eddie Mustafa Muhammad all turned up for the opening. Great company once again.
new ashley three
On Saturday morning I went to the Boxing Fan Expo to sign autographs and take photos with the fans. The event was jam packed with boxing legends and champions; Sugar Ray Leonard, Mike Tyson, Evander Holifield, Roy Jones Junior, to name but a few of them.
At 4:30pm I was at ringside to do a live interview with Steve Illis for BoxNation who are televising the Mayhem card in the UK. I was asked for my views and predictions for the fight – I believed Floyd could get a knockout win. I was also asked what it was like to be signed up by Floyd Mayweather.
I’m a kid from a neglected part of London where crime is sky high, unemployment numbers keep rising and the aspirations of the tenants are gutter high. I’m not supposed to be in Las Vegas. I’m not supposed to be with Floyd Mayweather. My life, my journey has hopefully inspired kids from similar backgrounds to myself to chase their own dreams. Some people criticise me for achieving this. Some people are just never happy regardless of what you achieve.
Successful and important people from sports, media, music, fashion, business and politics have commended me on my journey to date, and that is pleasing. It’s easy to be just a statistic from where I’m from but I have the huge pleasure and privilege of having an employer by the name of Floyd Mayweather.
ashley blog2 111
Mike Tyson inspired me to become a boxer, watching him on TV as a five year old. Roy Jones Junior astonished me with his ‘special effects’ talents as a teenager. Floyd Mayweather showed me that with hard work and dedication anything is possible. Floyd’s motto has gotten me to be where I am in life.
I’m not a champion yet, but no one ever believed I would even be a contender. I appreciate every day that I spend in Las Vegas under the guidance of Floyd. I won’t hear a bad word said about him. This is a man who gets nothing from seeing me do well. He’s told me if I need anything just ask. He gave me my highest grossing fight purse and put me on the biggest PPV boxing show ever. I see day in day out during camp the lives he touches and the people in need he helps. Everyone I know who knows him values him as a person, it’s people who don’t know him that make ill-judged comments regarding him.
You can’t please everyone but everyone who knows him, appreciates him.
Floyd mentioned both Manny Paciquao and Amir Khan in his post fight press conference. Maybe one of them will fight him next May or September.
Mayweather promotions got its second world champion on Floyd’s “Mayhem” card. Mickey Bey beat the number one lightweight champion. Miguel Vasquez held the title for five years and had only lost to Saul Alvarez and Timothy Bradley. That was a great win and I’m proud of Mickey.
I finished fight week with Floyd at his mothers’ house. Celebrities, family and friends attended. Great atmosphere with good people.
Another Floyd Mayweather training camp is over. In 12 months’ time he’ll be having his last fight. He will be missed when he’s gone. There’s never been an athlete to do the numbers or make the amount of money he has.
They criticise you when you’re active but they will miss you when you are gone.
Long Live Floyd Mayweather!

By Bart Barry–

Saturday at MGM Grand Garden Arena in a rematch few aficionados demanded, fewer still watched, and fewer yet found entertaining as its predecessor, American welterweight and super welterweight titlist Floyd “Money” Mayweather unanimously decisioned Argentine Marcos “El Chino” Maidana. After promising to prove himself to himself, not you, by stretching Maidana, Mayweather finished the fight circling shamelessly away from his limited, winded opponent, citing numbed fingers in his left hand. Maidana, who cares no more if he’s called a dirty fighter than called an Argentine, apparently crushed Floyd’s fingers in his mouth during an eighth-round clinch.

The entire “Mayhem” spectacle was subdued in a way Mayweather fights have not been since the Carlos Baldomir farce of 2006, and one briefly wondered during the ringwalk, when Mayweather was accompanied by his two mountainous bodyguards instead of musical mascots, if early revenue projections might have slashed the budget for Team Money Team; or if perhaps Floyd, having publicly provoked men professionally obligated to take every provocation in petulant and personal a way as possible, couldn’t find a Canadian castrato or Southern stereotype brave enough to accompany him in public; or if, most charitably, Floyd was determined to be determined and have his fate determined by himself alone. The last interpretation is the best interpretation, one hoped and hopes, and Floyd’s stark entrance was a stark reminder how incredibly lonely a boxing ring can be.

One doesn’t get to the championship level of this hurting business without being able to read other mens’ bodies fluently, and Floyd’s capacity for processing every tick and twitch is among his greatest predatory assets. But mirrors are strange things, and Floyd, publicly vulnerable even when he wishes not to be, is no longer reflexive or interested enough to be impenetrable while he penetrates others’ weaknesses. It didn’t take a minute of Saturday’s fight to see Floyd’s legs were, in a word, soggy; though his footwork remained impeccable, he moved round the canvas like it was memory foam over the ring’s plywood base, not an inch of padding. He was skittish as his movements were laborious, and one now wonders what might have happened if an enhanced Maidana answered the opening bell, rushing him disrespectfully as he rushed Adrien Broner 10 months ago.

Floyd was waiting for that, yes, but he was waiting for it their first fight, too, and it made precious little difference. No one likes to be struck in the face, but it hurts Floyd doubly for denting both his face and deep pride at once. Like any champion prizefighter, Floyd’s opening tactic is requesting his opponent’s metaphorical signature on a tacit contract that reads: “You may strike me here and here, but not there.” Floyd is all fighter, and he expects to be hit. On his terms. Maidana, with his skyhook right and his frequently thrown forearms and elbows, violated a contract Floyd had far more accomplished fighters like Oscar De La Hoya and Shane Mosley and Miguel Cotto sign. Worse yet, when Floyd, enkindled by the Argentine caveman’s impertinence, sought to castigate El Chino, he did not at 147 pounds have the power or accuracy to imperil the Argentine and as always had to worry about his brittle right hand in the event he did land it flush on anything but Maidana’s lightswitch.

Every other round, when Floyd’s age and (over)training regimen made him rest, he looked singularly uncomfortable. He was not enjoying himself before or during or after his rematch with Maidana, especially when an unfortunately close shot of his postfight interview showed Floyd’s swollen and misshapen lips quivering involuntarily. Maidana, face clean after 36 minutes of sanctioned assault by Mayweather’s fists as it was during his ringwalk, showed Showtime’s buffoonish inquisitor exactly the respect Jim Gray deserved, irreverently lying to him in Spanish, in a reminder it would be nearly impossible for a Spanish-only Argentine to care less what a c-level American journalist from a b-side American cable network opined of his forthrightness or general mien.

Commentator Paulie Malignaggi was the only one who caught the face-smothering tactic Mayweather employed in order to wedge the fingers of his left hand between Maidana’s eager teeth. Malignaggi caught Mayweather doing it to Maidana the same way Malignaggi caught Mayweather doing it to Saul Alvarez a year ago; being suffocated sucks, and that’s the reason Canelo fired his right fist at Mayweather’s cup and Maidana chomped down.

One foul begets another, this is fighting after all, and much as Maidana’s impertinence flummoxed Mayweather for a minute or so, you knew immediately Floyd would not refuse to fight on so long as referee Kenny Bayless took his stern warning like a good supplicant. Floyd’s point was not made to Maidana – there was no reaching El Chino, after all – but to Bayless who, true to form and expectations, ensured the rematch comprised a ratio of athleticism-to-menace more favorable to Floyd than Tony Weeks’ unforgivably permissible performance did in May.

Provided Manny Pacquiao does not look too good in his upcoming match with Chris Algieri, a probable thing, that, as Algieri has some tools to make Pacquiao’s night a long one, Floyd’s advisor should begin negotiations with Pacquiao’s team, secretly, and use Floyd’s diminished reflexes, and both men’s diminished drawing power, to find something close enough to common ground to get signatures on at least one of Don King’s old blank contracts. Fill it in later, once casual fans find inspiration enough to care again about the last fight they wanted to see, and finally make a match that hasn’t looked this likely to entertain in five years.

Floyd will win – forget not how steadily Pacquiao declined after his night in Cowboys Stadium with Antonio Margarito four years ago – but there’s no shame in admitting this much: There were a few moments during Saturday’s match, when Marcos Maidana feinted an old Floyd Mayweather to the ropes and hit him with everything he threw, we all might have taken Pacquiao, even money.

Bart Barry can be found on Twitter @bartbarry

LAS VEGAS — Floyd Mayweather Jr. kept alive his pursuit of an unbeaten legacy. Kept his fingers, too.

In a rematch full of some unusual twists and Marcos Maidana’s mouth full of more than a mouthpiece, the result Saturday night at the MGM Grand was predictable.

Mayweather (47-0, 26 KOs) shook off some heavy punches from the wild-swinging Maidana (35-5, 31 KOs) in the early rounds, began to exert control midway through the fourth round and landed with precision throughout the rest of the fight for a 116-111, 115-112, 116-111 decision. On the 15 Rounds card, it was 115-113 for Mayweather.

Only a knockout eluded Mayweather in the rematch of his majority decision over Maidana in May. A KO was his goal, he said several times before opening bell.

“I give myself a C, C-minus,” Mayweather said after the fourth fight in a Showtime deal for a possible six fights and a potential $250 million.

A chance at a stoppage for an A might have been eliminated in the eighth round. That’s when Mayweather said Maidana bit him on his gloved left hand.

No, Maidana said. How could he bite anybody with a plastic guard on his teeth? Video of the mount appeared to
inclusive. But Mayweather walked over toward the press section, leaned over the ropes and yelled that Maidana bit him.

“After the eighth round, my fingers were numb,” Mayweather said. “I couldn’t use my left hand.”

His right was more than enough against Maidana, who appeared to grow increasingly wild with each round. In the 10th, Maidana was penalized a point for pushing Mayweather onto the canvas. It almost looked as if Maidana was about to walk over Myyweather like a fallen pedestrian about to get trampled. In the 11th, Mayweather was warned for a low blow. Maidana was given time to recover. Mayweather impatiently waved at him, urging to continue the fight. It was as if Mayweather wanted to finish the business at hand and move on to the next fight.

When it was time to address what was next, he was asked the inevitable. He was asked about Manny Pacquiao. When isn’t he? Pacquiao-Mayweather has been the subject of futile talks and rumors for years. It won’t die. The surprise was that Mayweather kept it alive this time around. He usually dismisses it.

“Manny Pacquiao, if that fight presents itself, let’s make it happen,” he said.

There wasn’t much doubt and Leo Santa Cruz made sure of it with a devastating one-punch demolition of Manuel Roman that strengthened his claim on being one of the world’s best junior-featherweights.

“I want to fight Guillermo Rigondeaux,” Santa Cruz said of the Cuban who is considered to be No. 1 in the competitive weight class.

Roman (17-3-3, 6 KOs) was just an impressive work out for Santa Cruz, who stayed unbeaten (28-0-1, 16 KOs) and retained the WBC version of the 122-pound title. In the second round, Santa Cruz grazed Roman, his former sparring partner and a 50-to-1 underdog at the sports book, with a jab. He followed with a straight right that landed on the soft tissue behind a Roman ear. Roman collapsed. As he tried to get up, referee Robert Byrd ended it at 5 seconds of the round.

It wouldn’t be a fight card without a wild card. It came in Mickey Bey’s split decision over Miguel Vazquez for the IBF’s lightweight title. It was deadly dull, which means it could have been a draw. After the boos, the first two scores were announced. A draw sounded likely. Judge Julie Lederman had it 115-113 for the Mayweather-promoted Bey (21-1-1, 10 KOs) of Cleveland. Adalaide Byrd scored it 115-113 for Vazquez (34-4, 13 KOs) of Mexico. But it was Robert Hoyle who dealt the wild card, 119-109 for Bey, who bloodied Vazquez early, yet was never dominant enough to win by a double-digit margin.

James De La Rosa of San Benito, Tex., celebrated with a back-flip. When he landed, he stumbled. But he didn’t fall. Nothing could knock De La Rosa (23-2, 13 KOs) off his feet. Alfredo Angulo (224, 18 KOs), of Mexicali, tried in a furious finish to a 10-round middleweight bout in the first pay-pr-view fight on the Floyd-Mayweather Jr.-Marcos Maidana card. Angulo landed a couple of wicked left hooks and followed with successive rights, but De La Rosa survived to win a unanimous decision over a bloodied Angulo, who lost the first eight rounds, suffered a knockdown in the second and was penalized one point in the seventh for a low blow.

In a foul-fest, Mexican junior-welterweight Humberto Soto suffered two low-blows and was penalized for throwing one of his own, yet survived to win by unanimous decision over John Molina Jr. of Covina, Ca., in a Showtime telecast before the first pay-per-view fight.

Molina (27-5, 22 KOs), who appeared to throw punches after the bell in the early rounds, was penalized for low-blows in the sixth and seventh. Soto (65-8, 35 KOs) retaliated and it cost him a one-point penalty in the tenth. In the end, however Soto was the stronger fighter and a 95-92, 96-91, 95-92 winner on the cards.

Las Vegas cruiserweight Andrew Tabiti, who promises to take the snoozer out of cruiser, continued to display power and promise, pushing his record to 8-0, all by stoppage, with a sixth-round TKO of Caleb Grummet (3-2, 3 KOs) of Lake Odessa, Mich. Tabiti dominated Grummet for five-plus rounds before Vic Drakulich stopped it at 2:01 of the sixth.

Armando Lopes scored the undercard’s first upset, beating junior-welterweight prospect Damian Sosa of Argentina in the third bout on the card’s non-televised portion. Sosa (8-1, 6 KOs), a Robert Gracia-trained fighter, suffered a knockdown in the second round and never really recovered, losing a unanimous decision to Lopes (5-3, 1 KOs) of Nogales, Mexico.

In the second bout on the non-televised portion of the card, welterweight Fabian Maidana (3-0, 2 KO) got things warned up for brother Marcos with a first-round stoppage of Jared Teer (2-3), an Illinois fighter was knocked twice in the opening moments.

Super-middleweight Kevin Newman and Azamat Umarzoda opened the show two hours after high noon and about five hours before the Floyd Mayweather Jr.- Marcos Maidana Saturday at the MGM Grand. Seats were empty. But there wasn’t much to see, anyway. Newman (0-0-1), of Mayweather Promotions, and Umarzoda (0-5-2) of Tajikistan, fought to a draw through an uneventful four rounds.

Follow all the action live as Floyd Mayweather defends two Welterweight world titles plus a Jr. Middleweight world title in a rematch against former world champion Marcos Maidana. The actions off at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT with a 4 fight undercard featuring Leo Santa Cruz defending his Super Bantamweight title against Manuel Roman. Miguel Vazquez defends his Lightweight title against Mickey Bey. Alfredo Angulo takes on James De La Rosa in a Middleweight bout and the action kicks off with a Jr. Welterweight tussle between John Molina Jr. and former world champion Humberto Soto.

12 ROUNDS WBA/WBC WELTERWEIGHT & WBC SUPER WELTERWEIGHT TITLE–FLOYD MAYWEATHER (46-0, 26 KO’S) VS MARCOS MAIDANA (35-4, 31 KO’S)

Round 1 Mayweather jabbing to the body..Maidana lands a right to the head..Mayweather lands a left..Mayweather moving all over the ring…10-9 Mayweather

Round 2 Maidana throws a 3 punch combo..Mayweather jabbing to the body..Jab from Maidana..Mayweather lands a right and a left hook..lead right..20-18 Mayweather

Round 3 Maidana coming with a combo..Mayweather lands a counter right..counter right..2 more rights..hard right..another hard counter right..Maidana lands a right..jab..Hard right from Mayweather…Maidana lands a hard right at the bell…30-27 Mayweather

Round 4 Maidana is crowding and hitting Mayweather..Right from Mayweather..right…counter right..double jab from Maidana…39-37 Mayweather

Round 5 Jab – right from Mayweather..Counter right from Mayweather..counter right from Maidana…Short left from Mayweather...49-46 Mayweather

Round 6 Counter left from Mayweather..right..59-55 Mayweather…mayweather outlanding Maidana 97-64

Round 7 Maidana lands a right to the body..Mayweather lands a right to the body…body shot..Double jab from Maidana..Mayweather lands 2 rights..69-64 Mayweather

Round 8 Mayweather counters with a right and intiates a clinch as he has been doing for a lot of the fight…Maidana lands a jab and overhand right…Good right from Maywather..Overhand right from Maidana…Good right..Mayweather lands a lead left..Mayweather is claiming he got bit on his hand…Counter left from Mayweather…79-73 Mayweather

Round 9 Counter right from Maidana…Good hook from Mayweather…Counter left hook..Maidana gets in a couple of rights..Jab and right from Mayweather..left,…89-82 Mayweather

Round 10 Right from Maidana..Combination from Mayweather..Maidana throws Mayweather down and MAIDANA IS DOCKED A POINT…Maidana chasing Mayweather in corner…counter right from Mayweather..uppercut..jab..999-90 Mayweather

Round 11 Sharp left from Mayweather…Left to the body..Mayweather lands a low blow..Mayweather lands 2 lefts (Body/head)…Good right to the head..left hook to body and a right…Maidna lands a jab…109-99 Mayweather

Round 12 Mayweather dancing around the ring..Maidana traps Mayweather in corner…118-109 Mayweather

Mayweather 166-326 Maidana 128-572

115-112….116-111….116-111 Floyd Mayweather

12 ROUNDS–WBC SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE–LEO SANTA CRUZ (27-0-1, 15 KO’S) VS MANUEL ROMAN (17-2-3, 6 KO’S)

ROUND 1 Santa Cruz lands right to the body..Left hook to the body...Santa Cruz 10-9

Round 2 BIG RIGHT AND DOWN GOES ROMAN…ROMAN GETS UP AND 8 BUT ROBERT BYRD STOPS THE FIGHT

12 ROUNDS–IBF LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE–MIGUEL VAZQUEZ (34-3, 13 KO’S) VS MICKEY BEY (20-1-1, 10 KO’S)

Round 1 Sharp left from Vazquez..jab…10-9 Vazquez

Round 2 double jab from Bey…19-19

Round 3 Counter right from Bey..stiff jab..29-28 Bey…Vazquez cut on the right side of his head

Round 4 Counter jab from Bey…Vazquez lands a jab..left..Bey landing on the inside..39-38 Bey

Round 5 Vazquez lands a chopping right//counter left from Bey…49-48 Bey

Round 6 Double jab from Bey…59-57 Bey

Round 7 69-67 Bey

Round 8 Vazquez lands a jab..left from Vazquez..right..78-77 Bey

Round 9 Bey lands a jab..Vazquez lands a left hook..87-87

Round 10 Vazquez lands a jab..97-96 Vazquez

Round 11 107-106 Vazquez

Round 12 Bey lands a left hook..Combination..116-116

Vazquez 89-404 Bey 81-394

115-113 Bey…..115-113 Vazquez….119-109 Bey….Bey the New IBF Lightweight champion

10 ROUNDS–MIDDLEWEIGHTS–ALFREDO ANGULO (22-4, 18 KO’S) VS JAMES DE LA ROSA (22-2, 13 KOS)

ROUND 1 Angulo lands a jab…Body shot…double jab from De la Rosa..Body from Angulo..jab to body..10-9 Angulo

Round 2 Overhand right from De La Rosa..Jab..BIG LEFT AND DROPS ANGULO ON THE ROPES RULED A KNOCKDOWN..19-18 De La Rosa

Round 3 De La Rosa lands a combination..straight left.right…Body, hook and uppercut from Angulo..Counter overhand right from De la Rosa..29-27 De La Rosa

Round 4 1-2 from De La Rosa…Angulo lands a body shot..left to body..left hook..left hook from De La Risa..Right to body from Angulo..left and right…38 37 De la Rosa

Round 5 Combination from De La Rosa..Angulo lands a body shot..4 punch combo from De La Rosa..ANgulo lands a left to the body..nice right..48-46 De La Rosa

Round 6 Combination from De La Rosa..Angulo bleeding around the right eye..De La Rosa lands a combination…2 rights from Angulo…58-55 De La Rosa

Round 7 De la rosa landa an uppercut..Uppercut from Angulo..straight left from de La Rosa..nice right..ANGULO DEDUCTED 1 POINT FOR A LOW BLOW..68-63 De La Rosa

Round 8 De La Rosa landing combination..Angulo lands a counter left hook and straight right..short uppercut..Good right..combination..77-73 De La Rosa

Round 9 Left hook from Angulo..De La Rosa is hurt…86-83 De La Rosa

Round 10 Right from Angulo…Right from De La Rosa..3 punch combo from Angulo..Right and left..left hook..Angulo coming on strong…De La Rosa lands a left..Angulo trying to make 1 last stand…95-93 De La Rosa

98-90, 96-92, 99-89 FOR JAMES DE LA ROSA

10 ROUNDS–JR WELTERWEIGHTS–HUMBERTO SOTO (64-8-2, 35 KO’S) VS JOHN MOLINA JR. (27-4, 22 KO’S)

Round 1 Exchanging hooks..Big right from Soto..left hook..4 punch combination…10-9 Soto

Round 2 Right from Molina…overhand right..good right..right..Molina landing the right from distance..Left hook from Soto..another left hook..Left hook from Molina…good toe to toe action..Soto lands a 1-2..Molina lands a right…19-19

Round 3 Left hook from Soto….2 rights from Molina..Right from Distance..Right from Soto..Bih exchange AFTER the bell…29-29 Molina

Round 4 Molina lands a right..right hand..right..Soto comes back with a left uppercut..Soto backing Molina up..Uppercut from Soto..Body shot..Soto goes down from a Low Blow…38-38

Round 5 Molina lands a right…jab from Molina..Jab from Soto..right….Molina lands an uppercut to the body..Left hook by Soto..Combination…48-47 Soto

Round 6 MOLINA DEDUCTED A POINT FOR A LOW BLOW…2 hooks from Soto..Right from Molina..3 punch combo from Soto..Right from Molina..Hook from Molina..Uppercut from Soto…58-55 Soto

Round 7 Right from Molina..2 right hooks from Soto..Counter right from Molina..Left from Soto..Another Low blow from Molina and Soto goes down…Soto down on canvas in pain AND ANOTHER POINT DEDUCTION..right from Molina..67-64 Soto

Round 8 Left hook from Molina..Jab to body from Soto..right from Molina…3 punch combo from Soto..Left hook from body from Molina…Right to Molina and he goes down from a Low Blow…Big exchange at end of round..77-73 Soto

Round 9 Soto lands a left hook that goes low..Right and left from Soto..Soto lands a left that Molina complains that its low..Left from Molina off the ropes..uppercuts…1-2 from Soto..87-82 Soto

Round 10 Right from Molina..Soto lands a low blow…SOTO IS NOW DEDUCTED A POINT FOR A LOW BLOW..1-2 from Soto..4 punch combo…left hook from Molina…96-91 Soto

Punch stats…Soto 245-587 Molina 181-51

96-91, 95-92 on two cards for Humberto Soto

By Norm Frauenheim-

LAS VEGAS – Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Marcos Maidana were all business Friday at a weigh-in that sounded like a rap concert with speakers that packed more power than some of the fighters on the undercard.

At 146.5 pounds, Mayweather was a half-pound heavier than Maidana and comparatively understated after days full of off-the-scale controversy generated by Mayweather’s comments about former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice and domestic abuse.

If there was potential that Mayweather might be distracted Saturday night at the MGM Grand in the welterweight rematch of his majority decision over Maidana, it wasn’t evident. Mayweather was as cool as the green color on the sweats that he and his entourage wore as the paraded onto the stage.

That green could have meant Money, too. Mayweather is guaranteed $32 million, according to a contract filed with the Nevada State Athletic Commission before the formal weigh-in for Showtime’s pay-per-view card (5 p.m. PST/8p.m. EST). Maidana’s guarantee is $3 million. The $29 million difference might say all you need to know about Maidana’s slim chances. It also explains how big an upset it would be if Maidana landed a punch that would knock out Mayweather’s attempt to retire undefeated.

“I know I can make adjustments,’’ Mayweather (46-0, 26 KOs) said after stepping off the scale and posing for a
ritual, face-to-face photo with Maidana (35-4, 31 KOs) that was quick and didn’t include any insulting or derogatory gestures.

Despite saying his goal was to knock out Maidana, the common wisdom is that Mayweather will try to exert control with patience and trademark precision. His father and trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr. said he thinks his son was distracted in the May bout, which was preceded by controversy involving his former fiancé, Shantel Jackson, who last week filed suit against Mayweather alleging abusive behavior.

In the early rounds of their first fight, Maidana’s aggressiveness seemed to rattle Mayweather, who suffered a rare cut above his right eye from an apparent head butt in the fourth round. Mayweather, who also talked about knocking out Maidana in May, forgot some fundamentals, according to his dad, who wants his son to rely more on his jab.

“I’m going to take my time and listen to my dad,’’ said Mayweather, whose up-and-down relationship with the senior Floyd has not included too many moments of Father Knows Best.

The biggest news from the weigh-in could be heard in the crowd, estimated to be 8,000. It seemed to favor Maidana, although that might have been the result of noisy fans from his native Argentina. In his parade to the stage and onto the scale, Maidana was serenaded by fans, who sang and chanted, almost as if they were following a bouncing soccer ball.

“I’m here to change history and beat Mayweather,’’ said a thirsty Maidana, who weighed 146-even and looked thirsty as he gulped down a sports drink in an apparent rush to replenish fluid lost in a sauna.

Unlike Mayweather, there’s doubt that Maidana can do anything different in the rematch. Mayweather and his dad accused him of dirty tactics in the first fight. A ringside microphone caught Maidana trainer Robert Garcia urging the Argentine to “fight dirty.’’

It will be interesting to see if Mayweather’s complaints about Maidana’s tactics will affect how referee Kenny Bayless polices the fight. Mayweather was unhappy with referee Tony Weeks’ work in the first bout. He said Weeks let Maidana get away with too much.

“Definitely, I’m going to come out aggressive like I did in the first fight,’’ said Maidana, who enters the encore with as little to lose as he had in the first one.

That might be his biggest advantage.

LONDON (Sep 12) – Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao’s ring return against undefeated Chris Algieri has landed on BoxNation, with the Filipino legend joining fellow pound-for-pound star Floyd Mayweather on ‘The Channel of Champions’.

The exciting news of Pacquiao’s bout comes on the eve of Mayweather’s blockbuster showdown with Argentine banger Marcos Maidana this Saturday night, live and exclusive on boxing’s undisputed number one channel.

The addition of the ‘Fighter of the Decade’ Pacquiao, however, sees boxing’s two biggest names added to an unbeatable schedule, which also features ‘The Alien’ Bernard Hopkins who is looking to continue his unification of the light-heavyweight division against the fearsome Sergey Kovalev at nearly 50 years of age.

‘Pacman’ is not expected to have things his own way when he faces Algieri, who shocked the boxing world with his masterful and courageous victory over the unrelenting Ruslan Provodnikov in June to capture the WBO light-welterweight title.

The duo will lock horns on November 22nd at the Cotai Arena in Macao, with boxing’s only eight-division world champion Pacquiao defending his WBO welterweight title against the slick New Yorker, who has a record 20 wins in 20 fights.

“You saw Algieri’s last fight against Ruslan Provodnikov. He showed his toughness and he fought good so he deserves this fight. I don’t want to underestimate my opponent,” said Pacquiao, who is coming off an impressive win over Tim Bradley.

“I have to prepare myself 100%. It’s been a while since the fans of Manny Pacquiao have seen the killer instinct like when I fought Cotto, Margarito, de la Hoya, Hatton, and that’s what I’m trying to show in this fight.

“All I can say to his team is train hard and I will train hard so that we can give a good fight and we can entertain people,” added Pacquiao.

Algieri too is in buoyant mood ahead of next month’s showdown and can’t wait to get in the ring to prove he is amongst boxing’s elite.

“We’ve got two champions fighting each other. It’s not something you see very often, especially nowadays you see a lot of guys trying to hold on to their records, hold on to their titles and we’re not afraid to fight the best,” said Algieri.

“I think we need more guys in this sport doing that who aren’t afraid to take challenges and take risks,” he said.

Jim McMunn, Managing Director at BoxNation, said: “Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao are the two biggest names in boxing. They might not be sharing the ring with each other but we’re delighted that they will be sharing the same platform on BoxNation. So far all attempts to get them in the ring have failed so we’re delighted it’s BoxNation who have finally been able to bring boxing’s two biggest names together!”

To subscribe to BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 525) for only £12 a month (plus registration fee) visit www.boxnation.com.

-Ends-

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Floyd Mayweather 146 1/2 – Marcos Maidana 146

LONDON (12 Sep) – Former unified light-welterweight world champion Amir Khan has tipped Floyd Mayweather to come through his challenge with Marcos Maidana as he eyes a potential future fight with boxing’s pound-for-pound star.

The Bolton native was highly impressive in his last outing against Luis Collazo at his first fight at welterweight, and will now be ringside in Las Vegas after resolving Visa issues that meant he was unable to travel on Thursday morning.

Khan lands on Saturday afternoon and will be on-hand to cast his eyes over Mayweather and fully expects the current two-weight world champion to outsmart and outthink his way to victory over the hard-hitting Argentine, live this Saturday night on BoxNation.

“The first fight surprised a lot of people, no one expected Floyd to be in such a tough fight with Maidana. Maidana did himself a lot of credit in that fight and gave Floyd problems that not many people expected to see,” said Khan.

“Nevertheless, I think this fight Floyd will be a lot more composed and will know what he’s getting when he faces Maidana. The thing with Maidana is he tends to throw shots from weird angles and it can take you out your stride at first.

“Having shared the ring with him now, I think Floyd is going to be smart, box from the outside and maybe leave Maidana chasing his shadow,” he said.

The 31-year-old Maidana gave Mayweather his toughest fight in years when they first clashed in May.

Despite partial success for Maidana in his gameplan of pressurising the 11-time world champion first time around, Khan believes you have to have more than one trick when taking on a fighter of Mayweather’s calibre.

“Maidana made it a very rough and rugged fight and showed Floyd no respect first time around. His gameplan was to go in there and treat him like he was a nobody. In a way it definitely worked for him because he gave Floyd a tough fight especially early on.

“But against Floyd you can’t go in there with one strategy and think it’s going to see you through the fight because he is very clever, very smart and makes adjustments,” said Khan.

“He’ll do something different and ask you questions and poses different problems round by round. So you might win the first, second and third round but it’s about seeing it through and in the end Maidana just couldn’t do it.”

Many within boxing circles have tipped the 27-year-old Khan himself to be the one fighter who could give Mayweather a real run for his money.

With a plan to be out again at the end of this year Khan is hoping to throw his name into the sweepstakes to take on boxing’s biggest draw.

“It’s a fight that many want to see happen just because our styles would make a very interesting clash. If I keep winning then I think it’s a fight that could definitely happen in the future. Floyd has said the same thing to me in the past,” said Khan.

“For now, I’m out again in December so I’m looking to get my opponent named for that and putting on a great performance in my next fight. But if it makes sense for both sides then it will be a fight that could happen.

“I don’t want to put a timescale on it but I got into this sport to fight the best and at the moment Floyd is ahead of everyone so it would be great to test myself against him,” he said.

It is the speed of the Olympic silver medallist which he deems the key component in overcoming the unbeaten Mayweather, who has a flawless 46-0 record.

“I really believe speed is one of the key components in beating Floyd. Speed of hand and speed of foot – even speed of mind. It’s not the only thing but it’s very important, as is having a good jab and being able to answer the questions he poses,” he said.

“You can’t be one dimensional against Floyd because over and over in his career he has shown that he makes changes to whatever style his opponent comes with.

“Yet, when you look at it up until Maidana the people who have troubled him the most have been people with speed and good movement, those are things I possess,” Khan told BoxNation.

Many believe a Mayweather-Khan superfight at Wembley Stadium could exceed anything seen before at the home of English football.

Khan, however, would happily welcome a bout on home soil but is aware any decision would ultimately be Mayweather’s.

“I would love to bring a fight of that scale back home but I think it would be very difficult. Floyd tends to have all his fights at the MGM Grand. I know he has spoke about coming over here and fighting so you never know.

“He has a big fanbase here and I have a big fanbase so it would make sense. To fight Floyd at Wembley would be an unbelievable experience but at the end of the day Floyd is in the position where he decides who and where he wants to fight,” said Khan.

Mayweather vs. Maidana 2 is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 525) this Saturday night. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.525), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android. BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 11, 2014) – Fighters on the televised undercard for “MAYHEM: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2” took center stage today at MGM Grand for the final press conference before they enter the ring this Saturday, Sept. 13 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena live on SHOWTIME® and SHOWTIME PPV®.

Here’s what Thursday’s press conference participants had to say:

LEO SANTA CRUZ, Two-Division World Champion

“I’m very happy to be on this big undercard. This is the biggest card I could possibly be on.

“We trained really hard for this fight. It’s the biggest fight of my life because millions of people will be watching and I need to take advantage of that opportunity.

“I know people think this is going to be an easy fight for me, but you’re going to be surprised Saturday night. I used to spar with Roman and I had to train really hard for him because I know what he brings.

“I don’t underestimate anybody. Every fighter up there is dangerous. I have to go out there and work hard and give it my best to prove I belong here.

“I’ve trained so hard because I know I have a lot of pressure and expectations on me. I know Roman is a great fighter with great punches but we have to go out and do what we always do.

“People have said other Mayweather co-main event fighters are better and I’ve heard that. Because of that, this is definitely the biggest fight I’ve been in and I want to get the win and keep getting better fights.

“I have gotten love from fans too and I appreciate that. It’s because of them that I’m here and I keep training hard to get better every time.

“My brothers and my dad are always with me coming to the gym, watching me spar and it’s because of them that I’m so motivated for this fight.

“I’m looking to get the stoppage. I want it to end before 12 rounds and get him out of there and look good doing it.

“People are saying this is easy but no fight is easy. Anyone can surprise you so I always go out there and train like I’m fighting the best and I’m going to continue doing that.

“If everything goes well with this fight I definitely want to go out and get another belt and unify all the belts in the super bantamweight division.”

MANUEL ROMAN, Super Bantamweight Contender

“I know we’re both well prepared and we know what to expect from each other.

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I’m looking to take full advantage of it.

“I know Leo well but this is a business and a tremendous opportunity for me. Winning a world title is every boxer’s dream.

“I’m happy for Leo and the success he’s had, but I’m confident and very well-prepared for our fight on Saturday. This will be a great fight for the fans.”

MIGUEL VAZQUEZ, IBF Lightweight World Champion

“I’m ready and well prepared. I have a tough opponent in Mickey Bey but I’m ready to win.

“I want to dedicate this fight to my family and my team and especially to God for putting me in this position to live my dreams.

“This is definitely a key fight for me and an opportunity to make a name for myself. I’ve been a champion a long time and made six defenses, but I know a lot of fans don’t know who I am. That’s why I am so looking forward to Saturday.

“I think I have extra motivation for this fight because it is my chance to show the world that I am a real champion and that I deserve to be on a card as big as this.

“I’m ready to defend and I am well-prepared for what I know is a tough opponent in Mickey Bey.”

MICKEY BEY, Lightweight Contender

“Saturday I’m going to do my part and make sure it’s a spectacular fight. If you’re not there tune in early and check me and Miguel Vazquez out.

“I’m just waiting until Saturday to put on a show. It’s going to be 36 minutes or less of nothing but fireworks. You’ll have to tune in to see what happens next.

“It’s just another day and another fight for me. I’m going to wait to face-off inside the ring.

“I have the best trainer in the world, the great Floyd Mayweather Sr. I’m looking forward to grinding and getting to the next level of the sport.

“I don’t believe in the hype at all. I believe in going toe-to-toe with someone and seeing what happens after. Vazquez has done something right to be where he is today. He’s the champ for a reason but now he’s fighting me and it’s a new day.

“I don’t look at social media during fight week. I stay away from the negativity. I don’t have time for anything except taking care of business inside the ring.

“I’m going to put on a spectacular performance on Saturday. I take it one fight at a time.”

ALFREDO ANGULO, Middleweight Contender

“I’m ready for this fight at 160, I’m ready to get back to winning.

“Whenever two Mexicans are in the ring it’s a really good show. I believe De La Rosa and ‘El Perro’ will put on a great show.

“At the 160-pound weight division, I am going to be a different animal. You’re going to see the old Alfredo Angulo.

“I’m going to show the fans, the critics and the media that I am ready.

“People are asking me if I am still going to have the power at 160 pounds, I don’t like to talk, I would rather just show it in the ring on Saturday.

“You can expect a spectacular fight. James De La Rosa is coming to win and so am I but I am the only one that is going to walk out victorious.”

JAMES DE LA ROSA, Middleweight Contender

“Come Saturday I’m looking to put on a show for everyone.

“You all haven’t seen my skills but I know you’re going to enjoy the fight.

“I just come out to fight and nothing else matters. After this fight, everyone will become a De La Rosa fan.

“You’ll see everything out of me. I can do everything. I box, jab, punch, and knock out opponents when the opportunity presents itself.

“I always go in looking for the win. If a knockout comes it comes. The W is all that ever matters.

“After this fight everyone will know about me and my skills. Not everyone gets an opportunity to open up a card as big as this. I’m going to put on a show and make a statement.

“The reason I took this fight is because it’s an opportunity to display my skills. It’s my time now.

“I’m the most versatile fighter. Whatever benefits me to win at that moment is what you’ll see me do.”

JOHN MOLINA JR., Junior Welterweight Contender

“A few years back I was just a guy fighting 4-6 rounders and now I’m here today getting ready to fight a great champion.

“You all know how I fight, I come to bring it. I’m going to bring the fireworks for a great show. I know Soto won’t take a backwards step and I wont either.

“We won’t need the judges for this show.

“I’ve had a great camp with my trainer and we added some great tools to my game and we’re ready to put them on display Saturday.

“Humberto Soto is a great champion, he’s experienced at the top level of this game, he’s someone I looked up to and now I get to look across from him in the ring and get it on.

“A win over Soto will put me right where I need to be at 140, whether it’s a rematch with Lucas Matthysse, Adrien Broner or Danny Garcia, that makes this win really important.

“I got my notoriety by taking the scenic route, the back roads and when I get in the ring I try to put it all on the line. I try to put on a show for the people who spend their hard-earned money on these fights.

“It’s been a long exciting road. I didn’t have an extensive amateur career so I had to take the small fights but I made a name for myself and now I’m here at the biggest stage of boxing fighting on a Floyd Mayweather card fighting one of the great past champions of all time in Humberto Soto.”

HUMBERTO SOTO, Junior Welterweight Contender

“I’m very glad to be here on a big showcase again. The winners will be the fans on Saturday night

“Like a true professional I respect John Molina and his team, but in that ring we are enemies and we’re going to put on a great show.

“I know that I am getting into the ring with a quality, tough fighter but I also know that I have my experience in the ring behind me. The years don’t hurt my performance, in fact they add to what I bring into the ring.

“We have studied his fights so we know what to expect. Experience is on our side and that is one of the keys to victory.

“I am very happy to be fighting in Nevada after all of the fights that I have fought. I hope to bring a victory to my fellow Mexican people.

“This could be the fight of the night and I encourage all fans to watch it because they will be in for a treat.

“I am very happy and grateful for this opportunity but I just want to win.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“We’re here today to talk about this wonderful undercard; it’s going to be a terrific show.

“It’s never easy to put together an undercard and we did a great job putting together these fights to give the fans the best show possible on Saturday night.

“I believe that Mickey Bey will emerge victorious Saturday night. He’s worked very hard to get here and been through a lot of ups and downs in his career.

“Mickey Bey knows that he has a very tough opponent in Miguel Vazquez who comes into this fight on a 13-match winning streak dating all the way back to his 2008 loss against a terrific fighter in Canelo Alvarez.

“You have to tune in early or get to your seats early so that you don’t miss this great undercard we’ve put together.

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior Vice President of Golden Boy Promotions

“We’re very excited about this undercard. It’s customary for Golden Boy and Floyd Mayweather to put on exciting championship matchups with terrific fighters. We’re very proud of this undercard.

“You want to get out there early tomorrow to see all these prospects and future champions that will be on the card.

“Alfredo Angulo is one of the most popular fighters in the sport. I would say that he might have the best fans in all of boxing. They always support him no matter what, and I’m sure they’ll be out in full force Saturday night.

“A lot of people don’t get the opportunity to fight for a world title. They’re just waiting for that one opportunity. That’s what happened for Manuel Roman, who is finally getting a chance for a world title. He’s put in all the hard work and he’s looking to take full advantage.

“The word star gets thrown around a lot in boxing. There’s very few in the sport, but everyone, the garbageman, the milkman, everyone wants to know when Leo Santa Cruz is going to fight again. He’ll fight anyone, that’s just the kind of guy he is.”

# # #

“MAYHEM: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2,” a 12-round world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBA Welterweight Belt and WBC Welterweight and Super Welterweight World Titles takes place Saturday, Sept. 13 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra, O’Reilly Auto Parts and “The Equalizer” in theaters Sept. 26 and Mexico – Live it to Believe It!. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) and is the fourth fight of a six-fight deal between Mayweather and Showtime Networks Inc. In the co-main event, Leo Santa Cruz defends his WBC Super Bantamweight Title against Manuel Roman in a 12-round bout and Miguel Vazquez faces Mickey Bey in a 12-round bout for the IBF Lightweight World Championship. In the pay-per-view opener, Alfredo Angulo squares against James De La Rosa in a 10-round middleweight bout (162 lbs.). The event will be also available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Plus, SHOWTIME will televise Humberto Soto taking on John Molina Jr. in a 10-round bout for the vacant NABO Junior Welterweight Championship during “Mayweather vs. Maidana 2: COUNTDOWN LIVE” (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, immediately preceding the live pay per view event).

Mayweather vs. Maidana 2 will be shown on the big screen in over 500 movie theaters across the country via Fathom Events. For more information visit www.FathomEvents.com

LONDON (Sep 11) – Superstar Floyd Mayweather has admitted that his bout with Marcos Maidana this weekend will be one of his last.

The boxing icon faces off against the hard-hitting Maidana for a second time in succession, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas this Saturday night, live on BoxNation, and has declared that he will be hanging up his gloves in 2015.

The 37-year-old Mayweather signed a six-fight deal, reported to be worth over $250m, with American TV network Showtime in 2013 and will have only two fights remaining on his contract after Maidana.

“I have only got two more fights after this,” said Mayweather. “As of right now my focus is on Maidana. I can’t focus on the two fights after this. I can’t say who the next two opponents will be, but they will be exciting fights. My next fight is in May and then September. A year from now will be my last fight,” he admitted.

The 11-time world champion in five weight divisions will, however, remain part of boxing as he looks to grow his promotional company.

“After those fights I just want to build the Mayweather Promotions brand. I have been in this sport my whole life and understand the business,” said Mayweather.

“The Mayweather brand is growing and we don’t know what the future holds. If I continue to work with good people like Leonard Ellerbe and Al Haymon there will be something positive.”

Despite showing little sign of decline the reigning two-weight world champion, who will be defending his WBA and WBC welterweight and light-middleweight titles against Maidana, has said it is imperative he gives his body sufficient rest.

“As you get older, you get wiser, smarter. You no longer grow physically but you do mentally. When I was younger I would go to the gym, every day, even as a professional,” he said.

“As you get older you have to let the body rest, let the body heal and rejuvenate so you can come back a lot stronger. Over the last few years I have let my body rest a lot more, eat a lot better although I cheat a little at Fatburger,” Mayweather said.

The undefeated star, with a record of 46-0, has also fired a warning shot to Maidana ahead of the bout admitting he is quicker than he’s ever been.

Some have questioned if he is as fleet footed as he once was, especially given how close the first encounter was with the Argentine, but Mayweather has poured scorn on such claims.

“When I am in the ring I know what I have to do. Facing so many different styles throughout the years, making adjustments is second nature. [My legs] looked good in the first fight. When a guy like that is extremely dirty I have to take my time,” he said.

“I am capable of changing. I’m faster this camp, a lot stronger, feel a lot better. We will have to see how the fight plays out. I am sure he is in good condition and we’ll see what he brings.

“I think I am faster because I am throwing more combinations this camp. The sparring partners have said I am a lot better. We have used some of the same guys and they say I am a lot stronger and faster this camp,” said Mayweather.

Dubbed ‘Money’ Mayweather, the Grand Rapids born star believes he is faced with a lot of unfair criticism and resentment from certain factions within boxing.

“I always say to myself. There is only three ways you can learn, ‘Hearing, seeing and doing.’ It’s hands on. I like to learn all three ways but when I am hands on I can master it. People embarking on the [Jose Luis] Castillo first fight, need to remember I beat him,” he said.

“From the beginning I am fighting the biased fans, biased writers and biased critics. There has been jealousy and envy from the beginning, but I can get through anything if I stay focused.”

Mayweather vs. Maidana 2 is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 525) this Saturday night. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.525), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android. BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

By Norm Frauenheim

LAS VEGAS – Floyd Mayweather Jr. and his promotional partner Leonard Ellerbe tried to put an end to questions about the domestic abuse scandal engulfing former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice Wednesday after the final news conference for his rematch Saturday with Marcos Maidana.

The questions continued the day after Mayweather said he wished Rice “nothing but the best’’ during a session with reporters following his formal arrival Tuesday to the MGM Grand.

“If I offended anyone, I apologize,’’ Mayweather said Wednesday. “I don’t condone what happened.’’

Ellerbe said: “Floyd doesn’t condone this behavior. Period, end of discussion. No more questions about that.’’

Mayweather served two months in jail for a charge related to domestic abuse. He pled guilty to domestic battery in a 2011 incident involving his former girlfriend Josie Harris.

Mayweather’s ex-fiance is suing him. Shantel Jackson filed a lawsuit last week in Los Angeles Superior Court. Jackson, who is represented by feminist attorney Gloria Allred, alleges Mayweather beat and humiliated her.

In news reports of Tuesday’s media session, Mayweather did not criticize Rice, who was indefinitely suspended by the NFL after video obtained by TMZ showed him knocking out his wife, Janay Rice, with a left hook while inside an elevator at an Atlantic City hotel.

“I think there are a lot worse things that go on in other people’s households also,’’ Mayweather was quoted as saying Tuesday. “It’s just not caught on video.”

He also expressed sympathy for Rice, saying: “I know he’s going through a lot right now, because football is his passion, football is his love. It’s no different than me being in the fight game if they told me, ‘Floyd, you have the biggest deal in sports history’ and a couple months later they said, ‘Your deal is taken away from you.’ It’s not really the money it’s the love for the sport, the passion … I know it’s drastic on him and his wife.”

During the news conference, Ellerbe took the media to task for being too critical of the unbeaten Mayweather.

“All of this hating and criticizing needs to stop,’’ said Ellerbe, who argued that a negative press has prevented boxing from reaching crossover fans and gaining the mainstream popularity enjoyed by the NBA . “…We must find a way to acknowledge greatness when we see it. There have been great fighters, but never anybody like Floyd, who has put the whole package together.’’

Mayweather has always been able to ignore distractions, although many of them were of his own making. Three days before opening bell against Maidana, it was hard to know whether the ongoing controversy over Rice would distract him from what some believe could be a dangerous fight. Mayweather’s goal is a stoppage of Maidana.

“A knockout is important,’’ he said. “I want to make a statement. Not a statement to the world, just for myself.’

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 10, 2014) – Fight week for “MAYHEM: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2” continued Wednesday as the main event fighters, Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Marcos “El Chino” Maidana, hosted their final press conference at the Hollywood Theatre at MGM Grand before their highly anticipated rematch on SHOWTIME PPV Saturday.

Here is what the fighter’s and their teams had to say Wednesday:

FLOYD MAYWEATHER, 11-Time, Five-Division World Champion

“Tunein and watch the fight because I’m going to be Floyd Mayweather and do what I do best and come out and win. I’ve been here before and I know what it takes to win at this level.

“We put it all on the line in the first fight. The fans demanded the rematch so we owe it to them to put it all on the line again. Maidana’s rugged. He’s a cool fighter and we’ll see how it plays out on Saturday.

“I have to focus on my fight. I can’t focus on anything else going on, I have a tough fighter in front me and he needs all my focus.

“We’ve had a remarkable training camp. Truly unbelievable. I feel a lot stronger than last time. It’s about hard work, dedication, prayers, belief and a good team.

“I know I’m almost 40, but I’m still going strong. I want to go out there and perform.

“The first fight was very interesting. Hopefully this time around the fight is even more exciting.

“Maidana is always in top shape. He absolutely deserves this rematch. I commend him for stepping up and making it happen again. I’m a true champion and a true champion never backs down.

“I need a knockout and I’m going for it. I need it to make a statement. First for myself, I want to do it for me.

“Robert Garcia can say what he wants to say. My dad can say what he wants to say. Both teams can go back and forth and bicker all day. In the end it comes down to skills, smarts and adjustments.

“We sparred with some guys who have similar styles to Maidana’s. Guys who threw a lot of looping, wild shots. Very strong rugged guys. We had a lot of good solid work with these guys.

“I don’t know who has the advantage in the rematch. I know I’m sharp, I know he’s sharp. I was able to make the adjustments in the first fight and we’ll see if he can make the adjustments this time.

“I don’t condone what happened. If I offended anyone, I apologize. I have this tough, rugged fighter in front of me and that’s what I have to focus on. I’m not perfect, I make mistakes and I don’t condone that at all.”

MARCOS MAIDANA, Former Welterweight World Champion

“I just know that I have to win. I’m concentrated on winning. I am going to take out any doubts in my mind about the first fight. I’ve adjusted now and I think I’ll be ready.

“I haven’t talked to Carlos Rios or Carlos Baldomir about their Mayweather fights but I have watched their fights. I noticed that being aggressive and attacking him is what makes him uncomfortable.

“I think I did get tired in the first fight. I have to pace myself a little better and this time around I will be better.

“If the knockout comes great, but I’m ready to go the distance as well. I’m ready to make history.

“I have to use my distance a little more and pick and choose my punches. I wasted too many punches last fight. I have to work my distance correctly and get leverage.

“I think Floyd got pressured by the press and I think that he knows the first fight was close so he’s giving me the rematch and I have to take full advantage.

“I actually had two full months to prepare this time. I worked very hard and that’s probably why I look a little skinnier this time.

“I think Floyd is going to run but I’m going to have to do a good job of cutting off the ring.”

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

“We’re expecting a very exciting fight in this rematch; both guys have a tremendous amount of confidence and had excellent training camps leading up to the fight.

“Marcos Maidana is coming in really believing he is going to win this fight.

“You can’t say enough about Floyd Mayweather. He’s become the face of boxing and often he is the guy who wears the target on his back. No matter what he does people tend to form an opinion, but that comes with the territory.

“Floyd has had a phenomenal career, he’s the best fighter in the world and he’s been a world champion since 1998. He’s beaten a number of world champions and in my eyes he will go down as the best to ever do it.

“Floyd has made several hundred millions of dollars, but money doesn’t motivate him. He’s able to get up in the wee hours of the morning, putting in the groundwork like he’s never earned a dime.

“He has a tremendous dedication to the sport and we will all miss him when he’s not fighting. When he goes into that ring he gives it his all and he’s dominated A-level fighters and made them look ordinary.

“The fans demanded the rematch and Floyd said no problem, lets put him in there. If the fans didn’t think I got it right the first time, I will this time. There will be no more questions left unanswered after the Mayweather-Maidana rematch.

“What other athlete in sports can you say, that has dominated everyone in front of him for so many years? We must find a way to acknowledge greatness when we see it. There will never be another fighter like him.”

ROBERT GARCIA, Maidana’s Trainer

“All games aside, we’re ready for this fight. We’ve prepared like never before. We know it’s not an easy fight but it’s not impossible either.

“We’re going to give the fans what they are waiting for. What the fans want to see, that’s what they’re going to get Saturday night.

“Our mindset is exactly the same as it was going into the first fight. We do not need a knockout to win. We can win a decision. We can win a decision by dominating every round.

“Marcos dominated for half the fight last time before he slowed down a little and sort of faded. He didn’t quite have the energy to do what he wanted for 12 rounds.

“The difference for this fight is that we had eight full weeks of training and not just five. He had more sparring, much better sparring.

“Mayweather is a great fighter, one of the greatest of all-time. I don’t think age has caught up with him. He has always taken such good care of his body. He works very hard. He’s still got that quickness.

“Mayweather’s a smart guy. I think he’s just politicking when he keeps complaining about Maidana being dirty in the first fight.

“Chino gained a lot of confidence in the first fight. That’s a big plus going into the rematch. He feels stronger, mentally and physically. He’s ready to do what he couldn’t quite do last time and that’s fight his fight for 12 rounds.’’

ERIC GOMEZ, Senior VP of Golden Boy Promotions

“Marcos gave Floyd probably the toughest fight that he has had in the last couple years. But, that’s what makes Floyd so great. He does things that people don’t expect him to do in boxing. I know that Floyd has proven everyone in this room wrong at least once.

“I know personally he has proven me wrong ever since he fought Oscar De La Hoya. Every single fight I’ve thought to myself, ‘Ok, this time we’ve got him’. That’s what makes Floyd great. Everyone has criticized him and said that he wouldn’t get past the likes of Ricky Hatton, Canelo or Victor Ortiz, but he has beaten them all.

“There is one critic that Floyd hasn’t been able to prove wrong, one critic that keeps him going, and that’s Floyd himself and that’s why he took this rematch. Floyd felt that the first fight was close and he wants to prove to everyone and to himself that he won that first fight and that he can do it again.

“I also know that Marcos is a very hungry fighter that felt that he was very, very close to beating Floyd Mayweather. He is here to prove that whatever it takes, any little inch that he needs more to beat Floyd, he will make it happen this time.’’

STEPHEN ESPINOZA, Executive VP and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

“We’re thrilled to be back here at MGM Grand again, this has become SHOWTIME’s home away from home. This is our fourth event that SHOWTIME is televising from this venue this year, the most of any venue and the sixth in the past two years.

“There’s no doubt that this Saturday ‘Mayweather vs. Maidana 2’ will be most likely the biggest fight of the year.

“No matter what the result is, I guarantee that the fight will be historic. Historic because what we are watching will be unprecedented. We all know about Floyd’s success, undefeated record, fighter of the year awards. But consider this, Floyd Mayweather has been ranked in the top-10 by Ring Magazine consecutively and continuously since March of 1998. He’s been in the top10 for 16 years which is unprecedented in another sport, and that’s not to mention multiple years of being the consensus pound-for-pound king.

“But to be candid, Marcos Maidana couldn’t care less about Floyd’s accolades. Back in May, Maidana gave Floyd perhaps the toughest fight of his career, 12 grueling hard- fought rounds. Then Floyd surprised many of us by saying he wanted the rematch. Maidana is one of the most accomplished fighters that Floyd has ever fought, and personally I can’t wait.’’

RICHARD STURM, President of Sports & Entertainment for MGM Resorts International

“We’re excited for this highly anticipated rematch. Floyd Mayweather will look to push his undefeated record to 47-0. We all know this will be another hard test as Marcos Maidana looks to avenge his hard-fought loss back in May.

“Las Vegas frequently plays host to a number of large number of major sports and entertainment events. This weekend MGM Resorts will once again play a critical role in the Las Vegas experience as we celebrate Mexican Independence Day weekend.”

BOB BENNETT, Executive Director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission

“We are honored and elated to regulate this great fight. I want to thank everyone involved for putting on this electric and exciting fight in the fight capital of the world.

“I would like to recognize Mr. Mayweather and Mr. Maidana and all the fighters who will be putting forth a gallant effort come this Saturday night. Without them this event would not be possible and I would like all the fighters to know that we wish them all the very best. ‘’

# # #

“MAYHEM: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2,” a 12-round world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBA Welterweight Belt and WBC Welterweight and Super Welterweight World Titles takes place Saturday, Sept. 13 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra, O’Reilly Auto Parts and “The Equalizer” in theaters Sept. 26 and Mexico – Live it to Believe It!. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) and is the fourth fight of a six-fight deal between Mayweather and Showtime Networks Inc. In the co-main event, Leo Santa Cruz defends his WBC Super Bantamweight Title against Manuel Roman in a 12-round bout and Miguel Vazquez faces Mickey Bey in a 12-round bout for the IBF Lightweight World Championship. In the pay-per-view opener, Alfredo Angulo squares against James De La Rosa in a 10-round middleweight bout (162 lbs.). The event will be also available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Plus, SHOWTIME will televise Humberto Soto against John Molina Jr. in a 10-round junior welterweight bout during “Mayweather vs. Maidana 2: COUNTDOWN LIVE” (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, immediately preceding the live pay per view event).

Mayweather vs. Maidana 2 will be shown on the big screen in over 500 movie theaters across the country via Fathom Events. For more information visit www.FathomEvents.com

LAS VEGAS (Sept. 10, 2014) – In only the second rematch of his storied career, 11-time five-division world champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather will square off against former world champion Marcos “El Chino” Maidana in a highly anticipated rematch this Saturday, Sept. 13 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. But before the main event and televised bouts on SHOWTIME and SHOWTIME PPV get underway, some of boxing’s most notable rising stars will enter the ring for their respective tests in the fight capital of the world.

Competing in non-televised fights will be Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti, Damian “El Pana” Sosa, Fabian “TNT” Maidana as well as Junior “All About The” Benjamin and Kevin “The Second Coming” Newman II, who will be making their professional debuts.

“Fans should plan on arriving at the MGM Grand Garden Arena early on Saturday night because the excitement starts with the very first bell,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “We are thrilled to provide a platform for up-and-coming fighters such as Andrew Tabiti and both Junior Benjamin and Kevin Newman, who are making their professional debuts.”

“Golden Boy Promotions prides itself on giving fans action-packed fights from the very beginning to the very end of a card, and Saturday night’s jam-packed undercard continues that tradition,” said Oscar De La Hoya, president and founder of Golden Boy Promotions. “With several young superstars set to take boxing’s biggest stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, fans may very well be getting an early glimpse at the next Floyd Mayweather or Marcos Maidana.”

Undefeated and coming off an impressive technical knockout victory on Aug. 30, Andrew Tabiti (7-0, 7 KOs)is one of the top rising stars in the Mayweather Promotions’ stable. The Chicagonative looks to remain undefeated when he faces Lake Odessa, Michigan’s Caleb Grummet (3-1, 3 KOs) in a six-round cruiserweight match.

An undefeated prospect in the junior welterweight division, Buenos Aires, Argentina’s Damian Sosa (8-0, 6 KOs) will look for his third win of 2014 when he faces the Nogales, Mexico native Armando Lopes (4-3, 1 KO)in a six-round bout.

Adding to the Argentine-heavy card is Santa Fe, Argentina’s Fabian Maidana (2-0, 1 KO). The brother of Marcos Maidana will look to get his third consecutive victory when he takes on Springfield, Illinois’ Jared Teer (2-2) in a four-round welterweight bout.

One of Mayweather Promotions’ newest signees, Junior Benjamin who fights out of Las Vegas by way of London,will help to round out Saturday’s “MAYHEM: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2” undercard with his professional debut against Tajikstan’s Alim Jumakhonov (0-0-1) in a four-round featherweight bout.

Also making his professional debut under the Mayweather Promotions’ banner is Kevin Newman II. Under the tutelage of Jeff Mayweather since he was nine-years-old, Newman, of Las Vegas, will be fighting Azamat Umarzoda (0-5-1) of Tajikstan in a four-round super middleweight bout to open up the stacked fight card.

# # #

“MAYHEM: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2,” a 12-round world championship bout for Mayweather’s WBA Welterweight Belt and WBC Welterweight and Super Welterweight World Titles takes place Saturday, Sept. 13 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas and is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra, O’Reilly Auto Parts and “The Equalizer” in theaters Sept. 26 and Mexico – Live it to Believe It!. The event will be produced and distributed live by SHOWTIME PPV® (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT) and is the fourth fight of a six-fight deal between Mayweather and Showtime Networks Inc. In the co-main event, Leo Santa Cruz defends his WBC Super Bantamweight Title against Manuel Roman in a 12-round bout and Miguel Vazquez faces Mickey Bey in a 12-round bout for the IBF Lightweight World Championship. In the pay-per-view opener, Alfredo Angulo squares against James De La Rosa in a 10-round middleweight bout (162 lbs.). The event will be also available in Spanish via secondary audio programming (SAP).

Plus, SHOWTIME will televise John Molina Jr. against the experienced Humberto Soto in a 10-round bout for the vacant NABO Junior Welterweight Championship during “Mayweather vs. Maidana 2: COUNTDOWN LIVE” (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, immediately preceding the live pay per view event).

Mayweather vs. Maidana 2 will be shown on the big screen in over 500 movie theaters across the country via Fathom Events. For more information visit www.FathomEvents.com

LONDON (Sep 10) – Marcos Maidana has called on pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather to ‘fight him like a man’.

The pair clash for the second successive time, live on BoxNation, this Saturday night from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, with the rugged and rough Argentine calling on Mayweather to not run when they lock horns.

Maidana carries a fearsome reputation as one of boxing’s biggest hitters, with 31 knockouts in 35 wins, and has dismissed claims that his success in the first fight was as a result of the American superstar having slowed down, as he looks to goad Mayweather into a war.

“I don’t think age has anything to do with it. I don’t think it does because in the first fight, he could’ve fought with me a little bit, but then he started boxing and moving at times. So I don’t think age has anything to do with it,” said Maidana.

“He’s a good athlete. He’s in shape. I think that it was his decision to stand and fight with me. This second fight I hope he decides to stand and fight with me, to fight like a man. I hope he doesn’t start running or trying to move away

“I’m preparing for anything. I hope that he stands and fights. But if he’s going to run like a little bitch I’m going to have to chase him all around, and I’m prepared to do that,” he said.

The 31-year-old, who has shared the ring with the likes of Adrien Broner and Amir Khan, believes that this fight will prove to be an easier one than the initial bout in May and has rubbished the school of thought which says he needs a knockout to win.

“Personally, I find it much easier to face up against Floyd this time. When we first fought, I thought I wasn’t going to be able to see him, but I found him in the ring many times,” Maidana said.

“I don’t agree with the statement I need a knockout to win. I think that I can win by decision or by knockout. The first fight was a very close fight.

“It was a decision that was a majority decision, so I feel that I just have to make a few adjustments, put a little more pressure on, land better punches, and yes I can win, I can win by decision. Obviously the knockout would be nice, and that’s a possibility as well,” he said.

The reigning two-weight world champion Mayweather accused Maidana of dirty tactics in the first fight, which saw the Grand Rapids born star given his hardest night in years.

The man from Santa Fe, however, is unfazed by Mayweather’s accusations and admits he came close to retiring if he didn’t get the rematch.

“You know what? It doesn’t bother me that Mayweather says I’m dirty. It doesn’t bother me. There are things that he does as well in there, so it’s time for him to stop crying and just fight,” he said.

“I was really contemplating retiring if he didn’t give me the rematch, and I would’ve retired for the rest of this year at least and then see what comes up next year. But, yes, it was something that crossed my mind, and I was willing to retire.

“I got the rematch because the first fight was a close fight. He probably wants to prove a point. He wants to demonstrate that he can beat me outright. It doesn’t really matter. What matters is that the rematch is happening, and I’m very happy,” he said.

Mayweather vs. Maidana 2 is live on BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 546, TalkTalk 525) this Saturday night. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

-Ends-

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.525), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android. BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, gets fight week started with a blockbuster edition of Golden Boy Live!, featuring unbeaten heavyweights Luis Ortiz and Lateef Kayode meeting at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas to battle for the vacant WBA interim heavyweight title in the main event.

Live on Fight Network exclusively in Canada at 9:30 p.m. ET, the fight card features an unprecedented lineup of six televised fights taking place just two days before “MAYHEM: Mayweather vs. Maidana 2” takes over Las Vegas on Saturday, September 13.

In addition to live broadcasts of the official final press conference (Wednesday, 4 p.m. ET) and weigh-ins (Friday, 6 p.m. ET), Fight Network will air a Floyd Mayweather bout marathon on Saturday afternoon beginning at 12 p.m. ET, which leads into a live mixed martial arts doubleheader with Cage Warriors 72 from Newport, Wales and BAMMA 16 from Manchester, England. Fight Network’s action-packed fight week also includes a live presentation of ONE Fighting Championship 20: Rise of the Kingdom on Friday, September 12.

Thursday’s edition of Golden Boy Live! at 9:30 p.m. ET features another championship fight, as the interim WBA featherweight title will be on the line with Jesus “El Jinete” Cuellar facing Puerto Rico’s Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez.

Also stepping into the right in separate televised bouts on this star-studded card will be Jermall Charlo, Julian “J Rock” Williams, Errol Spence Jr. and Josesito “The Riverside Rocky” Lopez.

“The heavyweight championship has long been the most prestigious title in all of boxing and Luis Ortiz and Lateef Kayode will be bringing it in order to win that belt and put their names in the history books,” said Oscar De La Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions. “This is the perfect way to kick off a great weekend of boxing in Las Vegas.”

“We are happy to work with Golden Boy to continue the tradition of not one but two fights in Las Vegas the week of a Floyd Mayweather pay-per-view event,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “We want to keep the fans who come from near and far entertained all week long and there is no better way to do that than with a heavyweight title fight.”

“A lot of great fighters have come before me and won the heavyweight title and to have the chance to join them is an honor,” said the number two-ranked Ortiz. “I will fight my heart out for this championship and I won’t disappoint my fans, friends or family.”

“I’ve waited a long time for a fight like this and I feel that this is finally my chance to shine,” said the number five-ranked Kayode. “Before Mayweather and Maidana fight on Saturday, I will set the stage for them with a big win and a championship that will have the world talking.”

Ortiz vs. Kayode, a 12-round bout for the vacant WBA Interim Heavyweight World Title, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, in association with Greg Cohen Promotions and airs live on Fight Network at 9:30 p.m. ET.

With over 340 amateur wins in his native Cuba, 35-year-old Luis Ortiz (21-0, 18 KOs) knows more about boxing than practically anyone in the heavyweight division as evidenced by his 21 wins. Now the 6-foot-4 southpaw has his shot at championship gold and after back-to-back knockouts of Alex Gonzales and Monte Barrett respectively, it’s clear that the Miami resident isn’t content with just winning a decision on September 11.

A native of Lagos, Nigeria who now makes his home in Hollywood, California, 31-year-old Lateef “Power” Kayode (20-0, 16 KOs) is a hard-hitting contender whose six-year professional career includes wins over Matt Godfrey, Felix Cora Jr. and Alfredo Escalera Jr., as well as several regional titles at cruiserweight. Now competing at heavyweight, where he has knocked out his last two opponents, Kayode is one win away from becoming a world champion.

Making his second consecutive appearance in Las Vegas, Buenos Aires southpaw Jesus Cuellar (24-1, 18 KOs) is an experienced veteran of the fight game at just 27-years-old. With 24 victories and only one defeat, Cuellar is looking forward to make an even bigger name for himself by beating slugger Juan Manuel Lopez. A winner of seven straight, Cuellar won the interim WBA title in August of 2013 with a victory over unbeaten Claudio Marrero. After his win over Rico Ramos in May, he will now attempt to defend his belt for a third time on September 11.

Winner of three of his last five bouts, a stretch that includes a March knockout over Daniel Ponce De Leon, 31-year-old southpaw Juan Manuel Lopez (34-4, 31 KOs) will attempt to make history again by taking a world title back home to Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. Already a two-division world titleholder who has thrilled fans for years, the exciting knockout artist believes he has another great fight in him heading into his bout against Cuellar.

Many believe Houston’s Jermall Charlo (18-0, 14 KOs) should have been a world champion by now, but when IBF Junior Middleweight World Champion Carlos Molina was forced out of their March bout due to legal issues, the 24-year-old Charlo was forced to go back to the drawing board. A little over two weeks after his cancelled title fight, Charlo was back in the ring, stopping Hector Munoz in just two rounds and he expects another stellar performance on September 11. Charlo is set to face Mexican veteran Norberto Gonzalez (20-4, 13 KOs).

The best prospect to emerge from Philadelphia since Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny Garcia, Julian Williams (16-0-1, 10 KOs) wants to follow in Garcia’s footsteps and put a championship belt around his waist sooner rather than later. A knockout victor in his last three bouts over tough competition like Orlando Lora, Freddy Hernandez and Michael Medina, the 24-year-old junior middleweight will undoubtedly be bringing the thunder to Las Vegas next week when he takes on Eliezer Gonzalez (14-0, 9 Kos) of San Juan Puerto Rico in an eight round bout.

2012 U.S. Olympian Errol Spence Jr. (13-0, 10 KOs) has been making a steady climb up the 147-pound ladder since becoming a professional and after a shutout win over rugged veteran Ronald Cruz in June, the 24-year-old from Desoto, Texas native has proven that he’s ready to take another step toward the top. Spence Jr. will face Noe Bolanos (26-10-1, 16 KOs) of Obregon, Mexico in an eight-round welterweight bout.

A noted fan favorite for his exciting style and ability to triumph against the odds, 30-year-old Josesito Lopez (32-6, 19 KOs) has won two fights straight since a courageous effort against Marcos Maidana in June of 2013, defeating Mike Arnaoutis and Aaron Martinez. On September 11, Lopez is back in action, and he is expected to open the Golden Boy Live! show in style when he faces Mexican slugger Rafael Cobos (15-4, 3 KOs).

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com and follow on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.