For a moment it looked like Kubrat Pulev’s title shot was in jeopardy.

The Bulgarian heavyweight, who is ranked number-one by the IBF was cut badly by a Bogdan Dinu right hand in the 4th round of their heavyweight bout at The Hanger in Costa Mesa, California.

Pulev was able to shake it off, drop Dinu three times and stop him at 2:42 of round seven.

In round four, Dinu landed a big right hand that opened up a nasty cut over the left eye of Pulev.

Pulev was able to gather himself and score three knockdowns in the 7th. The 1st from a combination in the corner, where he almost got himself disqualified for hitting Dinu behind the head and while he was down. Pulev was deducted a point from that. Pulev scored two more knockdowns, both from big rights and the fight was stopped.

Pulev, 249.8 lbs of Sofia, BUL is 27-1 with 14 knockouts. Dinu, 239.6 lbs of Bucharest, ROM is 18-2.

“This is just part of being in a fight. The cut was not such a big problem. Sometimes blood makes me very hungry”, said Pulev. “I was very well prepared. I was ready for anything. At this moment I feel I can do anything inside the ring. I showed very good boxing skills. I also showed that I have good punching power and a good strategy”.

Jessie Magdaleno won a 10-round unanimous decision over Rico Ramos in a featherweight bout featuring former world champions.

Magdaleno, 125.6 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 26-1. Ramos, 127.2 lbs of Pico Rivera, CA is 30-6.

Magdaleno outanded Ramos 130-43.

“I came back from a long layoff and felt great against a tough opponent and a former world champion”, said Magdaleno. “Ramos is a great fighter, he was a former world champion for a reason, but tonight only one of us could come out victorious, and that was me. Now I’m going to sit down with my team, go back to the drawing board, and see what I have to keep working on to become a world champion once again”.

Maxim Dadashev got off the deck and came back to stop Ricky Sismundo in round four of their scheduled ten-round junior welterweight bout.

In round two, Sismundo dropped Dadashev with a straight left. In round four, Dadashev landed a clipping left hook that was followed by a right that Sismundo down on his back. That was stopped at 2:30.

Dadashev, 140 1/2 lbs of Oxnard, CA is 13-0 with 11 knockouts. Sismundo, 141 lbs of The Philippines is 35-13-3.

Tervel Pulev won a six-round unanimous decision over Mitch Williams in a cruiserweight bout.

In round three, Pulev was cut under his left eye. In round four, Pulev was docked a point for hitting on the break.

Pulev of Bulgaria won by scores of 59-55, 58-55 and 57-56 to stay undefeated at 13-0. Williams is now 16-8-3.

2008 U.S. Olympian Javier Molina won an eight-round unanimous decision over Abdiel Ramirez in a junior welterweight bout.

Molina, 140 1/2 lbs of Norwalk, CA won by scores of 79-73 and 78-74 twice and is now 19-2. Ramirez, 141 lbs of Ciudad Juarez, MX is 24-4-1.

Chris Van Heerden won a technical unanimous decision over Mahonri Montes when an accidental headbutt that opened up a cut over the right eye of Van Heerden that forced the fight to be halted.

Van Heerden dominated the action from the inside and outside. In round six, he was cut over his left eye. When they went to the score cards, Van Heerden was ahead 60-54 on all scores.

Van Heerden, 148 1/2 lbs of Johannesburg, SA is 27-2-1. Montes, 148 1/2 lbs of Los Mochis, MX is 35-9-1.

Erick DeLeon remained undefeated by stopping Jose Luis Gallegos in round six of their scheduled eight-round junior lightweight bout.

DeLeon dominated the first four rounds by landing hard body shots that started to break Gallegos down. Gallegos dropped DeLeon in round five with a hard right hand off the ropes. That was short lived as DeLeon regrouped very nicely and started attacking Gallegos and began to hurt him with a flurry of punches that forced the referee to stop the fight at 1:35 of round six.

DeLeon, 131 1/2 lbs of Detroit is now 19-0-1 with 11 knockouts. Gallegos, 131 1/2 lbs of La Barca. MX is 16-6.

David Kaminsky remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Estevan Payan in a middleweight bout.

Kaminsky, 160 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 40-36 on all cards, and is now 4-0. Payan, 159 1/2 lbs of Glendale, AZ is 1-7-1.

ESPN (10 p.m. ET)

Kubrat Pulev 249.8 lbs vs. Bogdan Dinu 239.6 lbs
(Heavyweight- 10 Rounds)

Jessie Magdaleno 125.6 lbs vs. Rico Ramos 127.2 lbs
(Vacant WBC USNBC featherweight title- 10 Rounds)

ESPN+ (6:30 p.m. ET)

Maxim Dadashev 140.4 lbs vs. Ricky Sismundo 140.8 lbs
(Super Lightweight – 10 Rounds)

Erick De Leon 131.4 lbs vs. Jose Luis Gallegos 131.4 lbs
(Lightweight – 10/8 Rounds)

Javier Molina 125.8 lbs vs. Abdiel Ramirez 125 lbs
(Super Lightweight – 10/8 Rounds)

Chris van Heerden 148.4 lbs vs. Mahrony Montes 148.6 lbs
(Welterweight – 10/8 Rounds)

Tyler McCreary 127.6 lbs vs. Roberto Castaneda 127 lbs
(Featherweight – 8/6 Rounds)

Bobirzhan Mominov 147.6 lbs vs. Jonathan Steele 146.4 lbs
(Welterweight – 8/6 Rounds)

David Kaminsky 160.6 lbs vs. Estevan Payan 159.4 lbs
(Middleweight – 4 Rounds)

Eric Puente 133.8 lbs vs. Alejandro Lopez 134.6 lbs
(Lightweight – 4 Rounds)

Tervel Pulev 207.8 lbs vs. Mitch Williams 199.8 lbs
(Cruiserweight – 8 Rounds)

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets priced at $75 and $60 are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.socafights.com.

For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook:facebook.com/trboxing; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing.

Use the hashtag #PulevDinu to follow the action on social media.

COSTA MESA, Calif. (Feb. 27, 2019) — Heavyweight contender Kubrat Pulev, ranked No. 1 by the IBF, will put his rating on the line against Bogdan Dinu in a 10-round showdown on Saturday, March 23 at The Hangar in Costa Mesa, Calif.

In the co-feature, former world champions Jessie Magdaleno and Rico Ramos will clash in a 10-round featherweight bout with potential world title implications.

Pulev-Dinu and Magdaleno-Ramos will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. The entire undercard, including the return of top junior welterweight contender Maxim “Mad Max” Dadashev against Ricky Sismundo, will stream live on ESPN+ beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets priced at $75 and $60 are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting www.socafights.com.

“I’m excited to be fighting at The Hangar and on ESPN as I continue my quest to become the heavyweight champion of the world,” Pulev said. “I have a great team behind me, and I am focused and ready to take care of business on March 23.”

“I know this is a big opportunity for me to get to the top of the heavyweight division,” Dinu said. “I am happy to be fighting in the United States against a really top heavyweight in Pulev. When I win, I will be considered a top contender.”

“I haven’t fought in a long time, but I am ready to show the fans that I am the same guy who won the title not too long ago,” Magdaleno said. “I feel comfortable in my new weight class, and now that I’m back, the goal is to become a two-weight world champion.”

“I’m thrilled to be fighting on ESPN,” Ramos said. “I would like to thank Top Rank for the opportunity to showcase my skills on boxing’s biggest stage. I’m preparing my best to give the fans a great show. This fight will get me one step closer to becoming a two-time world champion.”

Pulev (26-1, 13 KOs) is closing in on a second world title shot, the first coming in 2014 when he put up a valiant effort before being stopped by longtime champion Wladimir Klitschko in the fifth round. He has won six straight since the Klitschko loss, most recently defeating fellow contender Hughie Fury via unanimous decision in front of his hometown fans at the Arena Armeec in Sofia, Bulgaria. Dinu (18-1, 14 KOs), a one-time top amateur in his native Romania, will be making his second ring appearance in America. He is looking to bounce back from a fourth-round stoppage loss to Jarrell Miller.

Magdaleno (25-1, 18 KOs) will be fighting for the first time since Isaac Dogboe snatched the WBO junior featherweight world title from him last April in a Fight of the Year contender. Dogboe bounced back from a first-round knockdown to stop Magdaleno in the 11th round. Magdaleno, who had difficulty making the 122-pound limit, hopes a win over Ramos propels him toward a featherweight world title shot.

Ramos (30-5, 14 KOs) captured the WBA super bantamweight title on July 9, 2011 in Atlantic City with a stunning one-punch knockout of Akifumi Shimoda. He lost the title the following January to Guillermo Rigondeaux via sixth-round knockout. Ramos has been on a hot streak since a 2015 knockout loss to Claudio Marrero, winning six in a row while campaigning at both super bantamweight and featherweight. He won a pair of fights in 2018, including an eight-round unanimous decision over Daniel Olea last September that streamed on ESPN+.

In other undercard action:

Javier Molina (18-2, 8 KOs), who represented the United States at the 2008 Olympics, will face knockout artist Abdiel Ramirez (24-3-1, 22 KOs) in a super lightweight bout scheduled for 10 or eight rounds. Ramirez is coming off a stunning knockout victory over Michael Perez on the Vasiliy Lomachenko-Jose Pedraza undercard Dec. 8 in New York City.

Detroit product and surging 130-pound contender Erick De Leon (18-0-1, 10 KOs) will fight Jose Luis Gallegos (16-5, 12 KOs) in a dual set for 10 or eight rounds. De Leon hasn’t fought since July 14 when he suffered a shoulder injury in a decision win versus Adrian Young.

Longtime welterweight contender Chris “The Heat” van Heerden (26-2-1, 12 KOs) will fight battle-tested veteran Mahonry Montes (35-8-1, 24 KOs) in a bout scheduled for 10 or eight rounds.

Top featherweight prospect Tyler McCreary (15-0, 7 KOs) will make his Top Rank debut against Roberto Castaneda (23-11-1, 16 KOs) in a contest scheduled for eight or six rounds.

David Kaminsky (3-0, 2 KOs), the 18-year-old former amateur standout, will fight Estevan Payan (1-6-1, 1 KO) in a four-round middleweight bout. Payan has also fought 30 times as a professional mixed martial artist.

Bobirzhan Mominov (9-0, 8 KOs) will aim for his fifth consecutive knockout against Jonathan Steele (9-2-1, 6 KOs) in a welterweight battle scheduled for six or eight rounds.

Lightweight prospect Eric Puente (1-0) will return in a four-rounder against Alejandro Lopez (1-3, 0 KOs).

To subscribe to ESPN+, visit www.espnplus.com.

Use the hashtag #PulevDinu to follow the action on social media.

About ESPN+
ESPN+ is the multi-sport, direct-to-consumer video service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International (DTCI) segment and ESPN. It reached 2 million subscribers in less than a year and offers fans thousands of live events, on-demand content and original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks, along with premium editorial content.

Programming on ESPN+ includes hundreds of MLB and NHL games, exclusive UFC and Top Rank boxing events, top domestic and international soccer (Serie A, MLS, FA Cup, UEFA Nations League, EFL Championship, EFL Carabao Cup, Eredivisie, and more), thousands of college sports events (including football, basketball and other sports), Grand Slam tennis, international and domestic rugby and cricket, new and exclusive series, acclaimed studio shows and the full library of ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 films. Fans subscribe to ESPN+ for just $4.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

ESPN+ is available as an integrated part of the ESPN App (on mobile and connected devices) and ESPN.com. They are the industry-leading all-in-one digital sports platform, delivering a rich, personalized experience to tens of millions of fans every month.

Joshua Greer stopped Giovvani Delgado in round three of their scheduled eight-round super bantamweight bout.

In round three, Greer landed a booming right that hurt Delgado. Greer pounced on Delgado and landed several hard unanswered shots and the bout was stopped at 1:49.

Greer of Chicago is 18-1-1 with 10 knockouts. Delgado of Tacubaya, MEX is 16-8.

Genesis Servania stopped Carlos Carlson in round three of a scheduled eight-round featherweight bout of former world title challengers.

In round three, Servania landed a hard right that sent Carlson to the canvas. Carlson sat on his knee until referee Marcos Rosales counted ten, and Carlson jumped up but it was too late.

Servania, 123 1/2 lbs of Cebu City, PHL is 32-1 with 15 knockouts. Carlson, ,123 1/4 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 22-5.

Former world champion Rico Ramos won an eight-round unanimous decision over Daniel Olea in a featherweight bout.

In round one, Ramos dropped Olea with a left uppercut. Olea was cut from from his lip in round two.

Ramos, 129 1/2 lbs of Pico River, CA won by scores of 8071 on all cards, and is now 30-5. Olea, 123 14/4 lbs is 13-6-2.

Ashkat Ualikhanov won an entertaining six-round unanimous decision over Angel Hernandez in a super middleweight bout.

Ualikhanov, 141 3/4 lbs of Oxnard, CA won by scores of 59-55 and 58-56 twice, and is now 4-1. Hernandez, 146 1/2 lbs of McAllen, TX is 13-11-2.

Janibek Alimkhanuly won a six-round unanimous decision over Carlos Galvan in a super middleweight bout.

Alikkhanuly of Almaty, KAZ won by scores of 60-54 on all cards, and is now 3-0. Galvan of Apartado, COL is 16-8-1.

Claudio Marrero scored a one-punch knockout over former world champion Rico Ramos in round three of their 10-round Featherweight bout.

Marrero decked Ramos with a perfect overhand left and the fight was waved off immediately at 20 seconds of round three.

Marrero, 127.8 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is now 19-1 with 14 knocouts. Ramos, 126.2 lbs of Watts, CA is 24-5.

Andrew Tabiti remained perfect by scored an 8-round unanimous decision over Roberto Santos in a Cruiserweight bout.

Tabuti, 196 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 11-0. Santos, 204.4 lbs of Mexico is 12-2.

Tabiti landed 191 of 533 punches. Santos landed 65 of 316.

LAS VEGAS (July 21, 2015) – Former World Champion Rico Ramos (24-4, 12 KOs) takes on hard-hitting Claudio Marrero (18-1, 13 KOs) in a featherweight battle on Saturday, July 25 at the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

The bout is part of a full night action headlined by a 12-round cruiserweight showdown between Beibut Shumenov (15-2, 10 KOs) and B.J. Flores (31-1-1, 20 KOs). Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with a 10-round contest between undefeated cruiserweights Jordan Shimmell (19-0, 16 KOs) and Isiah Thomas (14-0, 6 KOs).

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions are priced at $100.50, $75.50, $50.50, and $20.50, plus applicable fees and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

Undefeated prospects will faces tough tests Saturday as knockout artist Andrew “The Beast” Tabiti (10-0, 10 KOs) faces Roberto Santos (12-1, 5 KOs) in an eight-round cruiserweight bout, 2012 U.S. Olympian Michael Hunter (8-0, 5 KOs) battles Michael Bissett (9-7, 7 KOs)in 10-rounds of heavyweight action and Ladarius “Memphis” Miller (7-0, 1 KO)rounds out the action in a six-round super lightweight contest against Sean Gee (2-0).

A decorated amateur out of Carson, California, Ramos won a super bantamweight world title in 2011 by knocking out Akifumi Shimoda. The 28-year-old owns victories over previously unbeaten fighters Efrain Esquivias and Carlos Ivan Velasquez. He most recently took home a unanimous decision victory over Juan Ruiz in Dec. 2014.

After winning a silver medal at the 2007 Pan American Games, in addition to several other amateur accolades, the Dominican Republic’s Marrero won the first 14 outings of his pro career. At 26-years-old, he brings a four-fight win streak into this matchup on July 25, including his most recent victory over Orlando Rizo in February.

A 2012 U.S. Olympian who won U.S. Amateur Championships in 2009 and 2007, the 26-year-old Hunter has begun to make a name for himself in the professional ranks since turning pro in 2013. After winning four times in 2014, the Van Nuys, California-native won a unanimous decision over Avery Gibson in February to start 2015 and followed that up by stopping Deon Elam in June. He takes on the 31-year-old Bissett of Biloxi, Mississippi.

Coming off of a thrilling one-punch knockout over Thomas Hanshaw in June, the 25-year-old Tabiti looks to keep his knockout ratio perfect when he returns on July 25. The Chicago-born cruiserweight now fighting out of Las Vegas will face the most experienced fighter of his career when he battles the 26-year-old Mexican Santos.

A slick fighter out of Memphis but fighting out of Las Vegas, Miller is unbeaten since turning pro in 2014. The 21-year-old most recently took home a unanimous decision over Marquis Taylor in April and will return to take on the 27-year-old Portland, Oregon born Gee.

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.nbcsports.com/boxing, www.mayweatherpromotions.com and www.TGBPromotions.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @Beibut_Shumenov, @BJFloresBoxing, @MayweatherPromo, @TGBPromotions, @NBCSports, and @PearlAtPalms and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions and www.facebook.com/NBCSports

Sherman Oaks, CA (October 31, 2014) Goossen Promotions returns to the Pechanga Resort and Casino on Thursday, December 11th with
“NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS” a three-hour ESPN Boxing Special televised LIVE on ESPN 2, ESPN Deportes and WatchESPN beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Advance tickets starting at $55.00 can be purchased through the Pechanga Resort and Casino website (www.Pechanga.com) or by calling 1-877-711-2946. Doors on the night of the event will open at 4:00 p.m. with the first bell at 5:00 p.m.

“We wanted to do something special in honor of Dan Goossen and we thought of no better way than to put on a great night of boxing just like he had done for so many years on ESPN,” said Brian Kweder, ESPN senior director of programming and acquisitions. “Dan’s contributions to the sport of boxing are well documented, but he was also a joy to work with and be around. I’m hopeful that he has a ringside seat wherever he may be for these fights.”

A lifelong resident of Southern California and popular fight promoter for over three decades, Goossen passed away at the age of 64 on September 28th.

Said Tom Brown of Goossen Promotions, “We could not be any more excited to bring this outstanding ‘Night of Champions’ boxing event to the beautiful Pechanga Resort & Casino. It is always great to provide their fans with an action-packed show!”

Headlining the event will be the return to Pechanga and ESPN of former junior middleweight world champion AUSTIN “No Doubt TROUT of Las Cruces, New Mexico in 10-round clash against tough Mexican veteran LUIS “Slayer” Grajeda.

With a record of 27-2-0 (14KO’s) including a victory over future Hall-of-Famer Miguel Cotto, the 29-year-old Trout returns to Temecula and ESPN following his action packed victory over Daniel Dawson on August 22nd.

Sporting a record of 17-3-2 (13KO’s), 27-year-old Grajeda has battled a long list of top contenders over his six-year professional career including Hector Camacho Jr., Jermell Charlo, Willie Nelson and Said El-Harrak.

Co-headlining at “NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS” will be a 10-round heavyweight clash featuring two-time former heavyweight world title challenger and longtime Southern California fan favorite CRIS “The Nightmare” ARREOLA.

Fighting out of Riverside, California, Arreola, 35-4-0 (31KO’s), returns to the ring against an opponent to be announced following his ESPN televised world title challenge against Bermane Stiverne this past May, a sensational battle stopped in the sixth round as the valiant Arreola came up short.

In a special attraction battle for the World Boxing Association Super Bantamweight Title, top rated contenders OSCAR ESCANDON, 23-1-0 (16KO’s) of Ibague, Columbia and Canadian southpaw, TYSON “Prince of Haiti” CAVE, 22-2-0 (6KO’s) will clash over 12-rounds.

Also appearing at “NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS” in a 10-round heavyweight battle will be former light heavyweight world champion ANTONIO “The Magic Man” TARVER of Tampa, Florida.

Best known for his two sensational victories over boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. and his excellent performance in “ROCKY 6”, Tarver has compiled a record of 30-6-1 (21KO’s) over his illustrious career.

Among the world class fighters rounding out the card in separate bouts are; former world champion and winner of The Contender Season One, SERGIO “The Latin Snake” MORA, 26-3-2 (9KO’s) of Los Angeles, former world title challenger EDWIN “The Bomba” RODRIGUEZ, 25-1-0 (16KO’s) of Worcester, MA, former super bantamweight world champion RICO “Suavecito” RAMOS, 23-4-0 (12KO’s) of Los Angeles, 2012 U.S. Olympian and hot light heavyweight prospects “Sir’ MARCUS BROWNE, 12-0-0 (9KO’s) of New York City and AHMED ELBIALI, 8-1-0 (7KO’s) of Cairo, Egypt.

Additional information on the undercard bouts will be announced shortly.

For more information on Goossen Promotions follow them on Twitter and Facebook @GoossenBoxing and view their new website at www.GoossenPromotions.com which will be launched in the near future.

About Pechanga Resort & Casino
Pechanga Resort & Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the western United States. Rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering more than 3,000 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 517 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort & Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort & Casino on Facebook and on Twitter @PechangaCasino.

Former world champion Ishe Smith took out replacement Ryan Davis in round 2 of their scheduled 10-round Jr. Middleweight bout at The Joint at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas.

Smith was all over Davis in the 1st round as he pounded him to the body and head. After more pounding, Smith landed a crushing right that was followed up by a left hook that sent Davis to the canvas and Davis was counted out by referee Jay Nady at 2:59 of round 2.

Smith, 154 lbs of Las Vegas was originally supposed to take on Erislandy Lara before Lara got a lucrative offer to fight Canelo Alvarez. Smith is now 26-6 with 12 knockouts. Davis, 153.4 lbs of Granite Hills, IL is now 24-14-3.

Mickey Bey scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Alan Herrera in a Lightweight bout.

Bey was dominant by using his speed and landed some solid left hooks over the first 6-plus rounds. Towards the end of round seven, Herrera clipped Bey on the chin with a left uppercut and deposited Bey on the canvas. Bey came back in round eight to land a big right hand on the ropes. They both landed hard rights in the ninth.

Bey, 133 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-92 and is now 20-1-1. Herrera, 135 lbs of Mazatlan. MX is now 32-6.

Jesus Cuellar retained the WBA Interim Featherwight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over former Super Bantamweight champion Rico Ramos.

Cuellar dropped Ramos from a straight left in the 1st-round and Ramos was clearly hurt. Ramos came back and fought well in spots but Cuellar was more aggressive and effective with the exception of being docked a point in round eight for hitting behind the head.

Cuellar, 125 lbs of Buenos Aires, ARG won by scores of 117-109, 116-110 and 114-113 and is now 24-1. Ramos, 125.2 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is now 23-4.

LAS VEGAS (March 25) – Las Vegas will be the center of the boxing universe Cinco de Mayo weekend and kicking it off will be an action-packed night of fights at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino when FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes feature a tripleheader that includes two World Championship bouts just one night before “THE MOMENT: Floyd Mayweather vs. Marcos Maidana” takes place at MGM Grand. In the 12-round main event, the WBA Super Welterweight title is on the line when Cuban star Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara defends the belt against Las Vegas’ own former World Champion Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith.

Plus, rising lightweight star Mickey “The Spirit” Bey Jr. will meet hard-hitting Mexican veteran Alan “Explosivo” Herrera in a 10-round matchup and in the televised opener, Argentina’s Jesus Cuellar squares off with former World Champion Rico Ramos in a 12-round bout for Cuellar’s WBA Interim Featherweight World Title.

Lara vs. Smith, a 12-round bout for Lara’s WBA Super Welterweight World Title, is presented by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and is sponsored by Corona and O’Reilly Auto Parts. The FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $95, $65, $35 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes,go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday, March 26 at noon PT and will be available for purchase by visiting The Joint box office, calling 800.745.3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

“Ishe Smith talks a lot on the internet, let’s see if he fights as well as he talks,” said Lara. “I’m on a different level and he’ll know that as soon as the first bell rings. He’s fighting the best super welterweight in the world and the pressure is mounting on him so he’s trying to build himself up mentally. Come May 2nd I’m going to do Mayweather a favor and retire him.”

“This is a dream come true, not only fighting for a chance at claiming another world title, but to be doing it in front of my hometown fans and family is a blessing, I’m truly honored,” said Smith. “Lara was offered a chance to fight me back in 2012 and he turned it down to fight Freddy Hernandez instead. I will show him he was right in turning the fight down the first time. I’m ready to lay it all on the line to regain one of the super welterweight championships, come May 2nd I will turn his American Dream into an American Nightmare.”

“May 2nd should not be overlooked by any means, it’s one night with two world championships on the line,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “We have put together a card with a roster of top tier talent that will be showcased come fight night. I’m sure no one in the building or watching from home will be disappointed.”

“With the entire boxing world focusing on Las Vegas, we’re giving fans another stacked card the night before ‘THE MOMENT,'” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Two championship fights and a great matchup between top prospects will get the weekend started right on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes.”

A native of Guantanamo, Cuba who now fights out of his adopted home of Houston, Texas, Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (19-1-2, 12 KOs) is one of the most talented boxers in the sport today, with his style giving fits to whoever dares to step into the ring with him. Unbeaten in five straight, with wins over Freddy Hernandez, Alfredo Angulo and Austin Trout, Lara finally got his hands on a world championship belt in 2013 and the 30-year-old is not about to let it go.

A seasoned veteran whose February 2013 win over Cornelius Bundrage for the IBF Super Welterweight World Title was the most inspirational boxing story of the year, Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith (25-6, 11 KOs) made his fans at home and around the globe proud as he became the first Las Vegas native to win a world championship. Although he lost the belt to Carlos Molina last September, the controversial split decision prompted the WBA to put Smith back in a title fight as soon as possible and the 35-year-old vows to regain the title this May.

Cleveland native Mickey Bey Jr. (19-1-1, 10 KOs) was a top amateur before entering the professional game in 2005 and after some ups and downs, he returned to the ring in 2013 and capped off the year with a third round technical knockout win over Carlos Cardenas. Now approaching his fighting prime, he’s eager to begin his 2014 season with a big victory on May 2.

Though just 24 years old, Mazatlan, Mexico’s Alan “Explosivo” Herrera (32-5, 21 KOs) is an experienced veteran with nearly 40 professional fights to his name. A winner of six of his last seven bouts, including three first round knockouts, Herrera has the stopping power to get the respect of Bey or anyone else he faces in the ring.

Fighting out of Buenos Aires, Argentina, southpaw Jesus Cuellar (23-1, 18 KOs) was a decorated amateur with several titles on his resume, but with his style more suited to the pros, he made his debut in 2008 and hasn’t looked back since. Unbeaten in six straight, the 27-year-old won the WBA Interim Featherweight World Title last August with a 12-round unanimous decision victory over Claudio Marrero. Now he looks to make his first defense of the belt against Ramos.

Rico Ramos (23-3, 12 KOs) stunned the boxing world in 2011 when he beat the vastly more experienced Akifumi Shimoda for the WBA World Super Bantamweight World Title. While the Pico Rivera, California native lost the belt to Guillermo Rigondeaux in 2012 and navigated some rough waters after that, the 26-year-old bounced back with consecutive wins over Carlos Ivan Velasquez and Jonathan Arrellano to earn another shot at world title honors.

A full undercard will be announced shortly. For more information, visit www.mayweatherpromotions.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com or www.FOXSports.com/FoxSports1, become a follower on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MayweatherPromo, www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing , @ishesugarshay, @laraboxing, @mickeybeytmt and visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.com and www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing. Follow the conversation using #LaraSmith

In an eventful 1st round, Thomas Williams Jr. scored a 1st round knockout over Cornelius White in a round that saw Williams register two knockdowns while White scored one of his own at the Little Creek Casino in Shelton, Washington.

Williams dropped White just thirty seconds into the fight with a hard overhand left. Williams looked like he was going for the finish, White dropped Williams with a hard left hand. Just seconds later, Williams came back to sent White to the canvas for a 2nd time. White was clearly hurt and on wobbly legs as he ate a barrage of punches and the fight was stopped at 2:49.

Williams, 174.8 lbs is now 16-0 with 11 knockouts. White, 174.4 lbs is now 21-3.

Former world champion Rico Ramos scored a 10 round unanimous decision over Jonathan Arellano in a Featherweight bout.

Ramos dropped Arellano twice in round four and once again in round five from left hooks. Arellano fought back and wont round’s six and seven but he was too far from behind on the cards and Ramos won by scores of 98-88 twice and 98-89.

Ramos is now 23-3. Arellano is 14-3-2.

Despite being dropped in the 1st round, Juan Funez scored a 4 round unanimous decision over Marcelo Gallardo in a Featherweight bout.

Gallardo dropped Funez in round one from a combination. Funez came back to win the rest of the rounds on the judges score cards 38-37.

Funez, 125.6 lbs of Van Nuys, CA is 4-0. Funez, 126.2 lbs of Auburn, WA is 3-1.

Sherman Oaks, CA (December 13, 2013) ESPN Friday Night Fights heads back to the
Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, WA on January 24, 2014 as hot Southern California based prospect Javier Molina battles former world champion Kendall Holt in the ten round welterweight main event.

Presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions, the event will be shown live on ESPN2 at 6 p.m. Tickets for “LITTLE CREEK BRAWL IV” start as low as $30 and can be purchased by calling (800) 667-7711 or online at www.little-creek.com. Doors open on the night of the event at 4:30 p.m. with the first bell at 5:00 p.m. For more information and directions to the Little Creek Casino Resort, please visit their website at www.Little-Creek.com

“We’re very excited to return to the Little Creek Casino Resort and work with their terrific team on this event,” said Dan Goossen, President of Goossen Tutor Promotions. “The main event is a major step-up for Javier Molina and, for Kendall Holt, it’s a do-or-die bout. For Molina it’s an opportunity to take another step toward a world ranking and for Holt, it’s a chance to re-establish himself as a world class fighter.”

“The fight will have a lasting impact on both men. One fighter trying to record the biggest win of his career, the other fighting to stay relevant. All the makings of a great fight.”

Fighting out of Norwalk, CA, the 23-year-old Molina, a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team, has compiled a record of 14-1-0 (6 KO’s) since turning professional in 2009. He is currently riding a five bout-winning streak, capped by a victory over highly touted prospect Joseph Elegele on March 9 of this year in Costa Mesa, CA.

Having all the gifts to become boxing’s next rising star, Molina is looking to repeat the success of his Olympic teammate Demetrius Andrade who recently won a world championship.

“This is a great opportunity for me, and I believe I’m up for the challenge,” said Molina.

With a record of 28-6-0 (18 KO’s), New Jersey native Holt is coming off a disappointing 2013 loss against the IBF Junior Welterweight World Champion Lamont Peterson on February 22 in Washington, D.C. in his bid to reclaim his world championship status.

Over the course of his 12-year career the 32-year-old Holt has defeated numerous world champions and top contenders including Ricardo Torres, David Diaz, Isaac Hlatshwayo and Julio Diaz.

“Molina hasn’t been where I’ve been and I intend to remind him this is the big leagues when he steps in the ring with me,” a confident Holt said.

“This will be the fourth year in a row that we’ve had the pleasure of broadcasting a Kendall Holt fight. He put on a great show for ESPN last year in a world title bout against Lamont Peterson despite the loss and we expect the same type of action against Molina,” said Brian Kweeder, ESPN’s Senior Director of Programing and Acquisitions.

Co-featured at “Little Creek Brawl IV” is another sensational ten round featherweight battle between two Southern California based contenders, former world champion Rico “Suavecito” Ramos of Pico Rivera and Jonathan “Lil Thund’r” Arrellano of Ontario.

Just 26-years-old Ramos, 22-3-0 (12 KO’s), has already packed a career’s worth of high-level activity into his six-year professional career. Winning the WBA Super Bantamweight World Title from Akifumi Shimoda on July 9, 2011, Ramos relinquished the title to current pound-for-pounder Guillermo Rigondeaux six months later.

Since the setback of losing the world championship, Ramos has defeated two highly regarded undefeated contenders; Efrain Esquivias in June of last year and most recently scoring an impressive knockout of former amateur standout Carlos Ivan Velasquez on September 7 of this year. As an amateur, Velasquez was the last man to defeat current world champion Yuriokis Gamboa one of the long list of great Cuban fighters.

Bringing a record of 14-2-2 (3 KO’s) into battle, fan favorite Arrellano returns to action after his career best victory, a show-stopping performance over Charles Huerta on November 16 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena on the undercard of the Andre Ward/Edwin Rodriguez Super Middleweight Championship.

In a crowd thrilling eight round war, Arrellano used accurate and sharp punching combinations to take a majority decision over the battle-tested veteran Huerta.

“Little Creek Casino Resort and the Squaxin Island Tribe are excited to have two world championship level fights at our property providing our fans with world-class toe-to-toe action,” said Little Creek Chief Executive Officer, Michael Starr.

The undercard will feature some promising Washington-state prospects for the “Little Creek Brawl IV” event, which will be announced shortly.

About Little Creek Casino Resort:
Little Creek Casino Resort is located on Highway 101, a few minutes west of Olympia, WA, near Shelton. It is owned and operated by the Squaxin Island Tribe and features smoking and non-smoking casino space with nearly 1,700 slots and a variety of table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps and poker. Little Creek is a prime resort destination with a 154-room lodge, Salish Cliffs Golf Club, a multiple award-winning 18-hole championship golf course, Seven Inlets Spa, a full-service relaxation facility where you can spend an hour or the whole day, indoor pool and exercise room, several dining options including a seafood bar, buffet and the Island Grill, Skookum Events Center and an upstairs cigar lounge. Little Creek also has an RV parking area with full hookups.

INDIO, Calif., Sept. 4 – With a perfect 21-0 record, Santa Ana’s Ronny Rios is on the fast track to a world featherweight title shot. On Saturday, Sept. 7, he will perform in front of his Southern California faithful at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. in the lead undercard bout before SHOWTIME® takes to the airwaves with a memorable doubleheader featuring two top heavyweight contenders, a Mexican legend, and a rising star looking to make a name for himself.

“I always enjoy fighting at home, especially on a card like this with so many great fighters,” said Rios, who will face Mexico City’s Jose Angel “Pepe” Beranza in a 10-round featherweight bout. “But every time I’m in there, I’m looking to steal the show and this time will be no different.”

The SHOWTIME telecast features a 12-round clash of heavyweight contenders between Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell (26-1-1, 19 KO’s) and Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (34-3, 30 KO’s) for the WBC International Heavyweight Championship and a 10-round featherweight meeting between Mexican superstar Rafael Marquez (41-8, 37 KO’s) and California prospect Efrain Esquivias (16-2-1, 9 KO’s).

Also joining Rios in undercard action will be former WBA Super Bantamweight World Champion Rico “Suavecito” Ramos and undefeated Puerto Rican prospect Carlos Velasquez, who will meet in a 10-round featherweight match.

This action-packed night is complemented by the special appearance of Interim WBC Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas “The Machine” Matthysse, who will meet and greet fans. His appearance comes just one week before his championship bout on “THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO” SHOWTIME PPV® undercard against Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny “Swift” Garcia on Sept. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.

23-year-old Ronny Rios (21-0, 10 KO’s) is one of the top prospects to emerge from Southern California in years and with 2013 wins over former world champion Rico Ramos and hard-hitting veteran Leonilo Miranda, he’s getting closer to a shot at one of the featherweight champions. Currently ranked in the top ten by the WBC and WBA, a big win on Sept. 7 is just what he needs to propel him even further up the ladder.

A respected spoiler who has ended the unbeaten runs of top prospects Juan Carlos Velasquez and Jesus Rojas over the years, Jose Angel “Pepe” Beranza (36-27-2, 28 KO’s) is a veteran’s veteran, able to do it all in the ring against all styles. A pro since 1996, the 37-year-old Beranza is sure to have some tricks up his sleeve for the undefeated Rios.

The former WBA World Super Bantamweight Champion, Pico Rivera, California’s Rico “Suavecito” Ramos (21-3, 11 KO’s) is hoping to get back on track after losing back-to-back decisions to Ronny Rios and Oscar Gonzalez in 2013. That shouldn’t be an issue for the talented 26-year-old, whose slick boxing style has drawn raves from throughout the fight world.

“This is a must-win fight for me and I will win it,” said Ramos. “Velasquez has a lot of tools, but he’s never seen a fighter like me and he hasn’t fought the level of competition I have. September 7 is the night I begin the journey to get my title back.”

Back on track after more than two years away from the sport, Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico’s Carlos Velasquez (15-0, 11 KO’s) has won two straight since his return in late 2012, decisioning Roberto Bonilla and Giorgi Mtchedlishvili. On September 7, the 29-year-old’s next wish is to put another knockout on his record, and he will get that chance against Ramos.

“This is the kind of fight I really get up for and I guarantee the fans will see me at my best,” said Velasquez. “Ramos is a former world champion and you have to respect that, but I won’t respect him in the ring on September 7. I look forward to making Puerto Rico proud by becoming their next champion.”

In other undercard action, junior middleweights Angel Osuna (11-3-1, 7 KO’s) of Coachella and Juan Gonzalez (8-0, 4 KO’s) of Phoenix collide in an eight round contest, Houston welterweight prospect Justin DeLoach (3-0, 1 KO), Coachella featherweight Ryan Caballero (1-0) and LA featherweight Joet Gonzalez (4-0, 1 KO) return to action in separate four round bouts against opponents to be named and junior lightweights Ricky Lopez (9-2, 4 KO’s) of Oxnard and Pablo Batres (3-7-1) of Sonora, Mexico meet in a matchup also scheduled for four rounds.

Mitchell vs. Arreola, a 12-round fight for the WBC Silver Heavyweight Title, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and sponsored by Corona. The doubleheader will take place on Saturday, September 7 at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and will be televised live on SHOWTIME immediately following the ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Canelo Episode 3 Premiere which begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. PT and the first fight begins at 4:05 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $105, $75, $55, $45, $35 are available at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.fantasyspringsresort.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/SethMayhem48, www.twitter.com/RicoRamos24, www.twitter.com/efrainboxing, www.twitter.com/fantasysprings and visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/fantasysprings. For information on SHOWTIME, visit http://Sports.SHO.com, www.twitter.com/SHOsports and www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Oscar Gonzalez scored a ten round unanimous decision over former world champion Rico Ramos in a Featherweight bout at the Little Creek Resort in Shelton, Washington.

Ramos boxed well early as he mixed up his comombinations. The fight changed in round six when Gonzalez landed a hard left hook to the body that sent Ramos to the canvas. The knockdown sparked up Ramos but it was Gonzalez who started focusing more on the body. There was good action down the stretch but it was Gonzalez who got the better of the exchanges and won by scores of 98-91, 96-93 and 97-93.

Gonzalez is now 18-2. Ramos, 125 1/2 lbs is now 21-3.

2012 Mexican Olympian Oscar Molina scored an easy first round stoppage over an overmatched Darryl Gardner in a scheduled four round Jr. Middleweight bout.

Molina dominated as he scored a knockdown from a right hand and then finished things off when he scored a hard left hook to the body that was followed up by a perfect left to the jaw that dropped Gardner for a second time and referee Jeff Macaluso stopped the bout at 2:39 of round.

Molina, 151 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is 4-0 with 3 knockouts. Gardner, 151 lbs of Spokane, WA is 1-2.

Ray Lampkin Jr. survived a knockdown to comeback and stop Landon Horseman in round three of their four round Lightweight bout.

Lampkin had a good round one but was caught in the opening seconds of round two from a lead right and was sent to the canvas. He came back to dominate the final two minutes of the round. In round three, Lampkin landed a big body punch that sent Horseman down for the ten count at 1:40 of round three.

Lampkin Jr., 139 lbs of Vancouver, WA is now 3-0 with 1 knockout. Horseman, 139 1/2 lbs of Tacoma, WA is now 1-1.

The April 12 edition of ESPN’s Friday Night Fights presented by Corona Extra will feature former Junior Featherweight titlist Rico “Suavecito” Ramos (21-2, 11 KOs) and Oscar “Fantasma” Gonzalez (17-2, 3 NSF, 13 KOs) in the 10-round Featherweight main event. Friday’s show from the Little Creek Casino in Shelton, Wash., will air live at 11 p.m. ET on ESPN2 HD, ESPN Deportes+ and WatchESPN and later televised Saturday April 13, at 2:30 a.m. on ESPNEWS and 8 p.m. on ESPN Deportes. The card is promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions.

Commentators:
Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas will be ringside describing the action for ESPN2 HD, while studio host Todd Grisham (@GrishamESPN) will provide the latest boxing news and highlights. Alex Pombo and Delvin Rodriguez will call this week’s fights for ESPN Deportes’ Viernes de Combates (Friday Night Fights) with Leopoldo Gonzalez and Pablo Viruega in the studio. Bilingual reporter Bernardo Osuna (@osunaespn) will report from New York where Nonito Donaire (31-1, 20 KOs) will meet Guillermo Rigondeaux (11-0, 8 KOs) for the Junior Featherweight Championship on Saturday night.

Main Event:

Los Angeles’ Ramos, who won the Junior Featherweight title in 2011, is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision loss to Ronny Rios.

“Since my last fight, I feel like I’ve got to start coming back even harder than before.” Ramos said. “I’ve got to start showing everybody that I’m better. I can’t wait to get back into the ring and get back to my boxing style and winning ways. I know I have the skills, talent and determination to take my career back to the world championship level.”

Mexico’s Gonzalez, promoted by former four-time titleholder Erik Morales, is looking to rebound from a 10-round unanimous decision loss to Raul Hirales.

“I know Rico Ramos is a tough fighter,” Gonzalez said. “We know he is a former champion and considered one of the best at 122 pounds, but I am confident that I have the talent and ability to beat him.”

Co-Feature:
Friday’s eight-round co-feature will pit Super Middleweights Farah “Quiet Storm” Ennis (20-1, 12 KOs) of Pennsylvania against Francisco “Panchito” Sierra (25-7-1, 22 KOs) of Mexico. Ennis scored a 10-round unanimous decision win over Richard Pierson in his last fight, while Sierra is looking to rebound from a 10-round majority decision loss to Marco Antonio Periban.

Opening Fight:

Friday’s card will open with a four-round Junior Middleweight bout between undefeated 2012 Mexican Olympic team Welterweight Oscar Molina (2-0, 1 KO) and Daryl Gardner (1-1, 1 KO). Molina is the identical twin brother of 2008 U.S. Olympian Javier Molina and younger brother of Lightweight contender Carlos Molina.

ESPN Deportes and SportsCenter to Cover Donaire vs. Rigondeaux:

Gonzalez and Osuna are in New York providing pre-fight coverage of the Donaire- Rigondeaux fight for ESPN Deportes’ Golpe a Golpe, SportsCenter and ESPN.com.

The bout will mark just the second time boxing has taken place at Radio City Music Hall, and will be televised on HBO Championship Boxing at 11 p.m.

ESPN’s coverage will include Tuesday’s media workouts, interviews with both fighters and trainers, and Friday’s weigh-in. Golpe a Golpe’s Viruega, Gonzalez, Osuna and Rodriguez will present a pre-fight special Saturday at 10 p.m. featuring fighter arrivals, highlights from their biggest fights, interviews and locker room look-ins. Post-fight coverage will include a 2 a.m. Golpe a Golpe with highlights, analysis and English and Spanish in-ring interviews by Osuna for ESPN Deportes and SportsCenter.

Follow ESPN’s Friday Night Fights on Twitter @ESPNFNF or like it on Facebook. Follow ESPN Deportes’ Viernes de Combates on Twitter @ESPNBoxeo. Also score the fights round-by-round with the “Live Friday Night Fights Facebook Voting App,” an application on the ESPN FNF Facebook page that allows viewers to score the fight round-by-round.

Sherman Oaks, CA (April 1) – Former world champion Rico “Suave” Ramos takes on Mexico’s Oscar “Fantasma” Gonzalez in the featherweight main event broadcast by the very popular ESPN “Friday Night Fights” series on Friday, April 12 at the beautiful Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, WA.

Ramos (21-2, 11 KOs) lost his WBA junior featherweight world title to Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux, who many consider the greatest Cuban boxer ever, and now faces upset minded Gonzalez (17-2, 13 KOs) with the winner placing them in contention for a world championship bout. In the semi-main bout, Farah Ennis (20-1, 12 KOs) will challenge the heavy-handed Francisco Sierra (25-7-1, 22 KOs) of Mexico in a super middleweight clash.

The world-class night of boxing is being promoted by Goossen Tutor Promotions and will take place in the Skookum Creek Event Center at Little Creek.

Los Angeles native Ramos, 25 is set on regaining his world championship status and a return to prominence by taking on the very tough task in Gonzalez to do it. The hard-hitting and durable Gonzalez, a native of Mexico City, has his thoughts on adding the former world champion to his resume.

The speedy Ramos lost a close decision two months ago and is anxious to turn things around. “I can’t wait to get back into the ring and get back to my boxing style and winning ways. I was very disappointed with my last performance and have made that commitment of ‘whatever it takes’ attitude to turn things around,” said Ramos. “I know I have the skills, talent and determination to take my career back to the world championship level. I am really grateful that I have the ESPN platform to showcase all of the hard work that I have put into the gym. My dedication will be evident to all of those fans that are ringside and watching me on ESPN on fight night.”

Gonzalez, 23, who is promoted by former multi-world champion Erik Morales and Mexico’s Zanfer Promotions, understands that a victory over Ramos can put him back on track for his career goal, a world title. The fight is scheduled for 10-rounds and will prove significant for the man that emerges victorious.

“I’ve seen Ramos fight before and I don’t believe he’s going to be able to take my punches,” said Gonzalez. “Ramos is a talented fighter and a win over him, especially when I knock him out cold, will put me in a good position.”

Promoter Dan Goossen echoed the sentiments of the fighters, “A career is on the line in the Ramos-Gonzalez fight. The winner moves on and the loser moves out. Can’t have any more at stake than that.”

Continued Goossen, “In the Ennis-Sierra bout, we will find out if Farah has what it takes to add his name to the likes of the other top super middleweights in the world. I know one thing, Sierra has spoiled many fighter dreams and he won’t give up an inch to Ennis when the bell rings.”

Little Creek Casino Resort is home to the highly acclaimed Salish Cliffs Golf Club and also recently celebrated the opening of Seven Inlets Spa, Skookum Spirit Cigar and Wine Lounge and a state-of-the-art RV Park.

“The casino and the Squaxin Island Tribe are honored and excited to welcome ESPN’s Friday Night Fights,” said Little Creek CEO, Michael Starr. “It’s nice to be working with Dan Goossen again, who specializes in putting on quality, professional shows that are competitive and crowd-pleasing. While this is our first nationally televised boxing event, it certainly won’t be our last.”

Little Creek Casino Resort is located in the great Pacific Northwest at the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula in Shelton, Washington just minutes north of Olympia on Highway 101.

For more information, visit www.little-creek.com

The Ennis-Sierra bout is scheduled for 10 rounds.

The ESPN broadcast airs at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET.

Ronny Rios scored a ten round unanimous decision over former world champion Rico Ramos in a Featherweight bout at the Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

It was a lackluster fight that saw a lot of clinching but it was Rios who landed the harder blows and he won by scores of 100-90, 97-93 and 96-94.

Rios is now 20-0. Ramos is 21-2

Rios is happy with the win but felt he could do better. “I give myself only a C grade,” he said. “I knew I won it, but I didn’t win it the way I wanted. I really wanted to make a statement on SHOWTIME, but I hesitated too much in the last few rounds.

“I wanted to keep pushing forward and working the body, but he kept smothering me. The good news is I passed my first big test, took the next step in my career and hopefully will be getting a world ranking because of it. It’s a great honor to win the NABF belt, but I really wanted to look better. It’s difficult to look good against a guy with his style.”

Ramos was moving up a notch in weight and making his first start in seven months, but he did not make excuses. “Sure, I’m disappointed,” he said. “I know I could and should have done more, but give Rios credit. He got me with some really nice jabs.”

In a battle of undefeated Jr. Middleweights, Daquan Arnett scored a eight round unanimous decision over Brandon Quarles.

Quarles was very effective over the first half of the fight as he landed a couple of right hands that rocked Arnett. Arnett came on over the second half of the fight by using combinations and working the body. Quarles was docked a point by referee Ray Corona in round seven for holding.

Arnett, 155 3/4 lbs of Orlando, FL won by scores of 78-73, 77-74 and 76-75 and is now 10-0. Quarles, 153 1/2 lbs of Alexandria, VA is now 9-1-1.

“He managed to take me out of my game plan, but I proved that I could adapt. I switched to southpaw at the start of the fourth round just to give him a different look and I think that threw him off. There’s no question I won it clearly in the end.”

Quarles, who had a point deducted in the seventh for leading with his head, felt the wrong guy got his hand raised. “I felt I was out-and-out robbed,” he said. “I outworked him, threw more punches, and hurt him way more than he hurt me.

“I took him out of his game plan. He was holding my hand down the whole fight. So what happens? They take a point away from me. I’m so sure I won, I can’t even be upset.”

INDIO, Calif. (Jan. 10, 2013) – The boxers who will fight on a must-see doubleheader on ShoBox: The New Generation tomorrow/Friday, Jan. 11, live on SHOWTIME® (11:15 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino are set to go following Thursday’s official weigh-in.

Rising featherweight star Ronny Rios (19-0, 9 KO’s), of Santa Ana, Calif., and former WBA Super Bantamweight World Champion Rico Ramos (21-1, 11 KO’s), of Los Angeles, who clash in a 10-round bout for the vacant NABF Featherweight Championship in the ShoBox main event, made weight on their first attempts. Both weighed 125.4 pounds.

Unbeaten junior middleweights Daquan Arnett (9-0, 6 KO’s), of Orlando, Fla., and Brandon Quarles (10-0-1, 2 KO’s) of Alexandria, Va., meet in the 8-round co-feature at Fantasy Springs. Quarles made the weight (153.2 pounds). Arnett came in heavy; his official weight at 155.8 pounds.

The doubleheader will be seen during a Free Preview Weekend on SHOWTIME that begins tomorrow/Friday, Jan. 11, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 13.

Popular local favorite and NABO Bantamweight Champion Randy Caballero (17-0, 9 KO’s), of Coachella, Calif., will be opposed by Luis Maldonado (38-9-1, 29 KO’s), of Mexicali, Mex., in the top non-televised match. Caballero weighed 121 pounds for the 10-round scrap; Maldonado 121.6.

Tickets priced at $25, $35 and $45 are available at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. PT and the first fight begins at 6:30 p.m. The event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona.

Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former World Champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

What the fighters said Thursday:

RONNY RIOS

“The way I see it, fighting on ShoBox can be a life-changing experience for me. It can be the start of many more fights on television. I’ve seen guys start on ShoBox and then go to SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING and that’s what I’m confident can happen to me.

“This is such a tremendous opportunity and I’m as ready as I can be. I’m anxious but not nervous at all. The key for me is to stay calm and collected, stay focused on my strengths and capitalize on his mistakes.

“This should be an action fight. I know I want it to be exciting — that’s the kind of fights people want to see. Neither of us are one-punch knockout guys so we have to find other ways to entertain the fans.

“I plan to press the action and work the body. Rico is a great fighter and we’ve known each other for years, but this is my opportunity to make a statement and a name for myself. You can’t ask for a better platform that this, fighting on SHOWTIME on a weekend when you can watch it for free.”

RICO RAMOS

“I feel good and am ready to go in and take care of business and come out with a win. There is no sense of urgency because I know what I have to do. I’ve been sparring with much bigger guys so I am not concerned about moving up in weight.

“I really want to get this win so I can get to the next level. I was at that level before, but now I want to get back to it. My one loss taught me a lot. You can be physically ready, but if you’re not mentally ready, you shouldn’t even be in there. A boxer has to be 100 percent and I learned that the hard way.

“The loss made me more determined and I feel more motivated. I’m definitely hungrier. Rios is a talented fighter, but I’m ready to adapt to anything he does. I really want to get back to where I was and it all starts tomorrow night.”

DAQUAN ARNETT

“I’m looking forward to an exciting fight. I’m young and strong and I come to entertain, but I know that this guy is coming to take my head off.

“I’m excited about fighting again on SHOWTIME. I’ve been on SHOWTIME EXTREME and this will be my first full fight on SHOWTIME. I’m definitely excited and ready to go.

“This not making the weight will never happen to me again.”

BRANDON QUARLES

“I’m excited and ready to showcase my talents and show the world who I am. I really want to thank SHOWTIME and Golden Boy for giving me this opportunity.

“My transition from amateurs to pros went smoothly and I feel I have adapted well as a pro.

“I am totally calm and looking at tomorrow night as just another day on the job. My goal is to become world champion.

“I’m really looking forward to a good fight.”

RANDY CABALLERO

“It’s great to start off the year by fighting in my hometown and I am really ready to go. My training camp has been excellent and my sparring went great.

“This is a very important fight for me. Maldonado is a veteran, very tough, who has fought a lot of the top guys (Nonito Donaire, Vic Darchinyan) so I know I’ll have to be at my best.”

LUIS MALDONADO

“I’m very happy to get an opportunity to fight a young fighter like Caballero. I know he is going to try very hard to keep his unbeaten record.

“Experience is the key to winning fights, and I have a lot. I expect him to stand in front of me and trade, so this will be a very good fight.”

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.fantasyspringsresort.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/fantasysprings or visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/fantasysprings. For information on SHOWTIME, visit http://Sports.SHO.com, www.twitter.com/SHOsports or www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

LOS ANGELES, January 10 – On Friday, January 11, the 2013 boxing season gets off to an explosive start at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. with a ShoBox: The Next Generation doubleheader featuring fights between top undefeated prospect Ronny Rios and former World Champion Rico Ramos for the vacant NABF Featherweight Championship and undefeated rising stars Daquan Arnett and Brandon Quarles. Also featured will be local favorite Randy Caballero, who returns to the venue where he has scored 10 of his 17 professional wins in a 10-round bantamweight fight against Mexicali’s Luis Maldonado. The ShoBox: The New Generation telecast will air live on SHOWTIME at 11:15 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Plus, hot undefeated prospects Julian Ramirez, Gerald Washington and Santiago Guevara are joined by 2012 United States Olympian Dominic Breazeale in other undercard action.

Rios vs. Ramos, a 10 round for the vacant NABF Featherweight Championship, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. PT on fight night with the first bell sounding at 6:30 p.m. PT.

Tickets, priced at $25, $35 and $45, are available for purchase at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

Plus, making a special appearance to meet and greet fans in attendance will be Mexican legend and future Hall of Famer Erik “El Terrible” Morales.

One of Southern California’s most popular fighters, Randy Caballero (17-0, 9 KO’s) has been untouchable in his fights at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino where he brings out his legions of fans to cheer him on every night out. The current NABO bantamweight champion, the 22-year-old “El Matador” will kick off 2013 at home in a 10-round battle against Luis Maldonado. Hailing from Mexicali, the 34-year-old Maldonado (36-10-1, 27 KO’s) is a three-time world title challenger who has faced the likes of Nonito Donaire, Vic Darchinyan, Eric Morel and Fernando Montiel, making him the most experienced foe Caballero has ever faced.

19-year-old southpaw Julian Ramirez (5-0, 4 KO’s) had a successful opening year as a professional boxer, winning all five of his matches and ending three of them with opening round knockouts. Fresh off of impressive wins over fellow prospects Noel Mendoza and Steve Gutierrez, the Los Angeles junior featherweight who is the nephew of the late, great Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez, takes on Tijuana’s Sergio Najera (4-8) in a six-round matchup.

Already 2-0 as a professional, Alhambra, California’s Dominic Breazeale (2-0, 2 KO’s) has ended both of his fights by knockout, showing off the power that allowed him to soar up the amateur ladder and into the 2012 Olympics. On Friday, the 27-year-old former University of Northern Colorado quarterback tries to go three for three when he battles Lake Odessa, Michigan’s Caleb Grummet (3-2-1, 2 KO’s) in a four-round fight.

In more heavyweight action, unbeaten Gerald Washington (5-0, 4 KO’s) meets Atlanta’s DJ Hugley (1-5, 1 KO) in a four-round battle and in a lightweight contest scheduled for four rounds, Montebello’s Santiago Guevara (4-0, 2 KO’s) faces Tijuana’s Juan Zuniga (4-8-1, 1 KO).

NEW YORK (Jan. 8, 2013) – As part of a Free Preview Weekend on SHOWTIME® that begins this Friday, Jan. 11, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 13, over 80 million households will be able to watch the fighters who will compete on a ShoBox: The New Generation doubleheader Friday live on SHOWTIME (11:15 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

Three of the boxers on the Jan. 11 ShoBox twin bill at Fantasy Springs Casino Resort in Indio, Calif., are undefeated. The other has one loss. Combined, they are 59-1-1, but for all their success, you can’t beat the kind of exposure they’ll get during a Free Weekend Preview that offers the opportunity to sample the premium network’s award-winning programming on SHOWTIME, SHOWTIME HD™, SHOWTIME On Demand® and SHOWTIME ANYTIME®.

“A great example of what TV exposure can do for a young fighter is Austin Trout,” ShoBox analyst Steve Farhood said. “He was a world champion who was virtually unknown to even hardcore fight fans, but then he fought on ShoBox (Frank LaPorto), and then shortly thereafter on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING (Delvin Rodriguez). That landed him a fight with Miguel Cotto at Madison Square Garden on SHOWTIME. He won that and now everyone knows who he is.

“Friday is a huge opportunity for the four ShoBox fighters, who have never approached this level number of available viewers. When you deliver in a situation like this it almost guarantees that promoters and the TV networks will bring you back because the public wants to see you again.”

In the 10-round main event, always-exciting Ronny Rios (19-0, 9 KO’s), of Santa Ana, Calif., puts his unbeaten record on the line when he faces former WBA Super Bantamweight World Champion Rico Ramos (21-1, 11 KO’s), of Los Angeles, for the vacant NABF Featherweight Championship.

In a clash of unbeaten junior middleweights, Daquan Arnett (9-0, 6 KO’s), of Orlando, Fla., takes on Brandon Quarles (10-0-1, 2 KO’s) of Alexandria, Va., in the 8-round co-feature.

One of Southern California’s most popular fighters, undefeated NABO Bantamweight Champion
Randy “El Matador” Caballero (17-0, 9 KO’s), of Coachella, will make his 11th appearance at Fantasy Springs when he meets an opponent to be announced in the top non-televised fight.

Tickets priced at $25, $35 and $45 are available at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. PT and the first fight begins at 6:30 p.m. The event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona.

Farhood says the first ShoBox event of the year is atypical of the critically acclaimed series, which has been a hit since its inception in July 2001.

“The main event is another classic ShoBox fight with an unbeaten prospect moving up in class against a former world champion,” Farhood said. “It is an age-old tradition, but in this case Ramos is a younger former world champion and presumably has a lot of fight left in him.

“It’s also crossroads fight because Rios needs to prove he can become a contender and Ramos needs to prove he’s still a top-10 fighter. This is a fascinating style matchup with Rios being the pressure fighter and Ramos the boxer-puncher.

“What’s interesting about the co-feature is that we have Arnett coming off a fight in which he was dropped and almost stopped getting right back in with his second consecutive unbeaten opponent. It’s time for Arnett to show he’s a legitimate prospect.”

The 5-foot-6 ½ Rios, a former amateur standout who turns 23 on Jan. 22, is making his ShoBox debut. A stable mate of WBC World Champions Abner Mares (super bantamweight) and Daniel Ponce de Leon (featherweight), the crowd-pleasing four-year pro is taking a significant leap in class after being steadily stepped up in recent fights and giving solid performances.

“I’ve been training really hard, and we really want to take advantage of this opportunity that’s been presented to us,” said the offensive-minded Rios, who’s facing by far his toughest opponent on paper to date. “I’m looking forward to a good fight.”

The rising Rios is a gym rat who enjoys reading mystery novels in his spare time. A boxer-puncher with solid speed and movement, he’s campaigned at featherweight and junior lightweight the last few years. He made his 10-round debut in his last start, scoring an impressive ninth-round knockout over game veteran David Rodela in a thrilling all-action junior lightweight slugfest on July 28 at Fantasy Springs.

Ramos, 25, is a ShoBox alum and former amateur standout who captured the WBA 122-pound world title in his 20th pro fight with a spectacular, come-from-behind, one-punch, seventh-round knockout over Akifumi Shimoda on July 9, 2011.

The 5-foot-5 Ramos, currently ranked No. 7 in the IBF, No. 8 in the WBA and No. 23 in the WBC at 122 lbs., is seeking his second consecutive victory since losing the WBA crown in his first defense to unbeaten Guillermo Rigondeaux on Jan. 12, 2012. In his lone fight since, Ramos finished much the strongest to win an 8-round majority decision in a spirited encounter over previously undefeated Efrian Equiovoas last June 23 by the tallies of 78-74 twice and 76-76.

While his opponent’s weight fluctuates slightly from fight to fight, Ramos has been fighting at or around 122 pounds since going pro in March 2008. However, this move north in weight isn’t necessarily a permanent one.

“I just want to see how I feel at 126 because I know I’m strong at 122. We’re going to see where it takes us right now,” said the more experienced Ramos, a natural counterpuncher who possesses good natural athletic ability, skills, speed and movement. “I can still make 122, but I just want to see where the opportunities are. This isn’t a permanent move up in weight.’’

Reunited with trainer Charles “Chili” Wilson and re-energized after some time off, Ramos is primed for a top effort. “I’ve been working on a lot of stuff: throwing more punches, not tensing up too much, throwing more combinations with a lot of movement and not standing straight up,” he said. “I’m ready for all fighters from 122 to 126. I’ll be back on top. I’m happy to be back.”

Arnett will be making his eight-round debut and first official start on ShoBox although highlights of his last fight on Nov. 9 (a fourth-round KO over Jeremiah Wiggins) were shown during the ShoBox telecast. He also fought on SHOWTIME EXTREME, winning a six-round decision over Jesus Tavera last Sept. 8.

An accomplished amateur and 2009 Junior Olympic national champion, the talented, aggressive-minded 5-foot-10, 20-year-old Arnett has kept busy since turning pro on Dec. 1, 2011. He had eight fights in 2012, winning six by knockout. He’s gone into the fourth round four times and six full rounds once.

Arnett’s last fight was his roughest as he had to rebound from a knockdown to stop Wiggins. Arnett had dominated the first two rounds, but got nailed by a hard right hand by Wiggins during an exchange in the third. Visibly hurt, Arnett held on and got through the round. In the fourth, Arnett knocked Wiggins through the ropes from a barrage of punches and the referee stepped in and stopped it at 1:59.

One of three children, Arnett hails from a family of fighters. “My younger brother is a top amateur, my sister, who got into the sport pretty much for self-defense, knows more about boxing than a lot of people I know,” Arnett said. “My dad was a boxer, all of my cousins competed in the amateurs and my uncle was a Golden Gloves champion. Boxing’s my life. My dad literally introduced us to boxing when we were one and two years old – from the time we were able to walk.”

Quarles is a 5-foot-10, 26-year-old who is managed and trained by George Peterson, the career-long manager and trainer of former Two-Time WBO Welterweight World Champion Paul Williams.

A pro since July 2010, Quarles is coming off of a six-round draw in his last start on Oct. 27 against John Mackey. Quarles, who was decked in the first, registered a knockdown in the final 10 seconds to get the draw. Two judges had it 56-apiece; the other scored it for Mackey, 57-55.

“I’ve seen Arnett fight a few times and I’ve seen him hurt a few times, too,” said Quarles, a boxer with good speed and movement who was one of Williams’ top sparring partners. “My friend Jeremiah Wiggins just fought him. He told me, ‘just don’t wait on him. Take it to him as soon as the bell rings.’

“I’m just ready to fight. I’m ready to put on a show. It’s what it is – go for broke.”

Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with Farhood and former World Champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.fantasyspringsresort.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/fantasysprings or visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/fantasysprings. For information on SHOWTIME, visit http://Sports.SHO.com, www.twitter.com/SHOsports or www.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Former world champion Rico Ramos scored an eight round majority decision over previously undefeated Efrain Esquivias in a Super Bantamweight bout at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City, California.

It was a highly contested bout and the first fight for Ramos since losing his title to Guillermo Rigondeaux.

Ramos, 122 lbs of Watts, CA won by scores of 78-74, 78-74 and 76-76 and is now 21-1. Esquivias, 123 lbs of Carson, CA is 16-1.

“He was tough, I knew he was going to be tough,” said Ramos. “He came forward at me a lot like I remember from fighting him in amateurs, but we prepared for that and we were ready for him. He went hard to the body, and so I came back with body shots of my own, and I was landing the cleaner shots. It feels great to be back in the win column. I’ll be coming back for my belt soon.”

Matt Villanueva remained undefeated by scrapping out an eight round unanimous decision over Bruno Escalante in a Super Flyweight bout.

Villanueva was cut from the left eye from the second round on but was able to fight through it in the exciting bout.

Villanueva, 114 1/2 lbs of Palmdale, CA is now 8-0-1. Escalante, 115 lbs of San Carlos, CA is now 5-1-1.

“That was the toughest fight I’ve ever had,” said Villanueva of his opponent. “He came to win, and he was much stronger than I thought. The kid can take a punch, he was taking everything but the kitchen sink. I really thought that the ref was going to come in and stop it on a few occasions when I was getting him against the ropes and just tagging him, but he stuck in there and made it exciting.”

Rico Ramos suffers a lost to Guillermo Rigondeaux on Showtime. Ramos offered no excuses but vows to get right back in the gym

Guillermo Rigondeaux talks about fighting Ramos on Showtime

Rico Ramos talks about fighting Rigondeaux on Showtime

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that the WBA Super Bantamweight title bout between regular champion Rico Ramos and Interim champion Guillermo Rigondeaux that was originally scheduled for New Years Eve will now take place on January 20th.

The bout will headline a tripleheader on Showtime’s “ShoBox: The New Generation” from the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, promoter Dan Goossen said Thursday.

“It is nice to get it rescheduled,” said said Ramos Promoter Dan Goossen, who promotes Ramos. “It certainly was one of the most challenging matches to finally get settled.”

“We’ve got an experienced professional in Ramos against an experienced amateur in Rigondeaux,” Goossen said. “But I believe that the power and strength of Ramos will beat the great amateur pedigree of Rigondeaux.”

Also on the televised portion of the card in scheduled eight-round bouts, middleweight prospect Brandon Gonzales (15-0, 10 KOs) faces Caleb Traux (18-0-1, 10 KOs) and junior bantamweights Matt Villanueva (6-0-1, 6 KOs) and Michael Ruiz Jr. (8-1-1, 3 KOs) square off.

Dan rafael of espn.com confirmed a video interview with Bob Arum on www.15rounds.com that undefeated Mike Jones will take on rough and rugged Sebastian Lujan plus Guillermo Rogondeaux will take on Rico Ramos as part of the Miguel Cotto – Antonio Margarito undercard set for December 3rd in New York.

Russell Peltz, who co-promotes Jones (25-0, 19 KOs) with Arum, said everyone on their team realizes it is a dangerous fight. Known for having a strong chin, Lujan (38-5-2, 24 KOs) is riding a 12-fight winning streak, including a dominant ninth-round knockout of promising Mark Melligen on ESPN2 on July 1.

“I think it’s a lot tougher fight than Mike had with (Jesus) Soto Karass,” Peltz said of the most difficult fights so far in Jones’ career, back-to-back competitive decision wins against Soto Karass in November 20010 and in the February rematch. “(Jones) says if fighting this kind of fight is what he has to do to get a title shot, it is what he has to do. He has to be in better shape than he was for the second Soto Karass fight.”

Said Jones: “Lujan puts on pressure, but not constant pressure like Karass. He moves his head a lot more than Karass but throws wide punches, which I will take advantage of. This will put me in line for a money fight.”

Arum said the third televised undercard fight has not been set yet but that Top Rank president Todd duBoef “was working on it and I can’t say what it is yet because it’s not done.”

Also back in action on the undercard will be junior middleweight Pawel Wolak, although his bout is not scheduled to be part of the HBO PPV broadcast. Wolak’s opponent is not set, but manager Cameron Dunkin said they are OK with the fight not being on the telecast.

I’m trying to do certain things with him but it’s been tough. We wanted (titlist Cornelius) Bundrage, but there wasn’t the money to deliver it and Bundrage is with (promoter) Don King, which is never easy,” Dunkin said. “So I’m trying to get him back out there and keep him active. We wanted him on TV but there wasn’t a spot for him. This fight is the start and we’ll keep him going from here.”

“Excited,” Wolak said. “Unfortunately, (Bundrage) was scared. Canelo (Alvarez) and (Julio Cesar) Chavez (Jr.) aren’t available and worried and there was no (premium) network interest in a rematch with Delvin, so we are going to Plan B. That is why I signed with a competent manager as he knows how to get me where I want to go.”

Said Top Rank promoter Bob Arum: “Wolak wants a title fight. Rather than argue with him we said, ‘We’ll put you in with a second-level guy, but it won’t be on television’ and that way he stays active and I don’t embarrass myself with the televised undercard.”

Just Minutes after winning the WBA Super Bantamweight title, Rico Ramos talks about his win over Akifumi Shimoda to 15rounds.com/gfl.tv Marc Abrams

Rico Ramos trains for his WBA Championship bout against Akifumi Shimoda in Atlantic City live on HBO July 9, 2011. Watch behind the scenes training and insight of the Ramos camp in Las Vegas, Nevada.