(Jan. 17, 2024) — WBC No. 1 junior welterweight contender Sandor Martin has signed a multi-fight co-promotional pact with Top Rank. Martin’s longtime promoter, OPI Since 82, and Top Rank are joining forces to secure the Spaniard his first world title shot. 

Two-weight world champion and pound-for-pound force Devin “The Dream” Haney is the current WBC junior welterweight world champion.

“Devin Haney calls himself ‘The Dream,’ but I am his worst nightmare. I will be the next WBC junior welterweight world champion. Whether he wants to lose his title to me in the ring or run up the scales to welterweight, the choice is his,” Martin said. “I am excited for the next chapter of my career with OPI Since 82 and Top Rank in my corner.”

“We are glad to have the support of Top Rank for Sandor’s next fights. He already proved his worth with Mikey Garcia and Teofimo Lopez,” said Christian Cherchi of OPI Since 82. “Next step will be the green belt!”

“We’ve had a front-row seat to Sandor Martin’s immense talent, and Top Rank is thrilled to be partnering with OPI Since 82 to help Sandor receive his well-deserved world title opportunity,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum.  

Martin (42-3, 15 KOs) is a former European junior welterweight champion and a 13-year pro whose only defeats have come via narrow points verdicts. After spending the first decade of his career fighting primarily in Spain, the slick-moving southpaw authored the 2021 Upset of the Year when he toppled former four-weight world champion Garcia by majority decision in Fresno, California. 

Following a 10-round split decision defeat to Lopez in December 2022, Martin notched a pair of knockout victories in 2023 to maintain his status as one of the world’s top 140-pound practitioners.  

Former undisputed lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez took a 10-round split decision over Sandor Martin at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

In round two, Martin was cut in the bridge of the nose from a headbutt. Later in the round, Martin was able to score a knockdown when Lopez charged in and Martin landed a little right hook to the side of the head. In round four, Martin began to bleed from the nostrils. Martin was awkward, but Lopez had a better workrate and landed more punches as the punch stat statistics read 97 of 391 for Lopez, while Marin was 77 of 244.

The scorecards read 97-92 and 96-93 for Lopez. Martin won a card 95-94.

Lopez is now 18-1. Martin is 40-3.

Jared Anderson Takes Out Forrest in 2

Jared Anderson remained perfect with a second round destruction of Jerry Forrest in their 10-round heavyweight bout.

After Forrest landed a couple of power punches in round one, Anderson unleashed a blitz of vicious power shots that landed on the head of Forrest. Forrest did not go down, but that meant he ate more destructive punches in the second frame and finally referee David Fields mercifully ended the fight at 1:34 of round two.

Anderson of Toledo, OH is 13-0 with 13 knockouts. Forrest is 26-6-2.

Zayas Decisions Salazar

Xander Zayas remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Alexis Salazar in a junior middleweight bout.

Zayas won by scores of 80-72 and 79-73 twice and is now 15-0. Salazar is 25-5.

Davis Decisions Burgos

Hot-prospect Keyshawn Davis won a eight-round unanimous decision over former three-time world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos in a lightweight bout.

Davis won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 7-0. Burgos of Tijuana, MEX is 35-7-3.

Joe Ward won an eight-round unanimous decision over Frederick Julan in a light heavyweight bout.

Ward of Moate, IRE won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 and is now 8-1. Julan of Brooklyn, NY is 12-2.

Damian Knyba stopped Emilio Salas in round two of their six-round heavyweight bout.

The bout was stopped at 1:50 for Knyba who is now 10-0 with six knockouts. Salas is 10-4-1.

Tiger Johnson stopped Mike Ohan in round five of their eight-round junior welterweight bout.

Johnson hurt Ohan with a hard right hand and then unleashed 20 unanswered shots that forced referee Steve Willis to stop the bout at 1:29.

NEW YORK (December 9, 2022) -Split-T Management fighters will dominate the boxing world on Saturday as former undisputed lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez takes on Sandor Martin in a WBC Elimination bout at Madison Square Garden. Earlier in the day, IBF Bantamweight champion Ebanie Bridges makes the first defense of her title when she takes on Shannon O’Connell. If that wasn’t enough, 2020 United States Olympian Tiger Johnson will kick off the festivities at Madison Square Garden when he battles Mike Ohan Jr. in a eight-round junior middleweight bout.

Lopez will be looking to take big a step towards becoming a two-division world champion when he takes on the upset-specialist Martin. The bout will headline in what has become Lopez’ annual fight night at the Garden that follows the Heisman Trophy presentation on ESPN.

Lopez of Las Vegas by way of Brooklyn is 17-1 with 13 knockouts. The 25 year-old is one of the popular and charismatic pugilists in the sport. He has become a staple fighting at The Garden on Heisman night he stopped Mason Menard in the opening round in 2018, and In 2019, Lopez knocked out Richard Commey in two rounds to win the IBF Lightweight title.

On October 17, 2020, Lopez won a 12-round unanimous decision over Vasiliy Lomachenko to capture the undisputed Lightweight title. Lopez made his super lightweight debut on August 13th by stopping Pedro Camoa in seven rounds in Las Vegas.

Martin of Barcelona, Spain has a very impressive mark of 40-2 with 13 knockouts. Martin has impressive wins over Daniel Rosilla Colaso (25-4-2), Ignacio Mendoza (38-8-2), Sanuele Esposito (19-2), Steve Jamoye (19-1-1), Valentyn Golovko (22-1), Mauro Godoy (30-3-1), Joe Hughes (17-4-1) and Kay Prospere (14-1-1).

On October 16, 2021, Martin shocked former four-division world champion Mikey Garcia by winning a 10-round majority decision,

In his last bout, Martin won a 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Jose Felix on April 1st in Barcelona, Spain.

At Friday’s weigh-in, Lopez weighed 139.2 lbs. Martin was 139.8 lbs.

Lopez is promoted by Top Rank.

?The fight can be seen live on ESPN at 9 PM ET.

In Leeds, England, Bridges and O’Connell meet in a fight between Australian bantamweights.

Bridges of New South Wales, Australia is 8-1 with three knockouts. The 36 year-old won the IBF Bantamweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Maria Cecilia Roman on March 26th in Leeds.

O’Connell, 39, of Queensland, Australia is 23-6-1 with 11 knockouts. She has wins over Nareele Leahy (1-0). Gabisile Tshabalala (8-0-1), Edina Kiss (10-1), Bianca Elmie (3-0), Kylie Fulmer (7-0), Cherneka Johnson (13-0), Taylah Robinson (3-0) and her last bout when she stropped Sarah Higginson in the opening round on June 29th in Queensland.

Bridges was 117.75 lbs, while O’Connell was 117.35 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in.

Bridges is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

The fight is streamed by DAZN at 2 PM ET.

Johnson of Cleveland, Ohio is 6-0 with four knockouts. The 24 year-old Johnson will be making his sixth start of 2022. With wins of Xavier Madrid (3-0) and Esteban Garcia (15-3-1), Johnson has made himself one of the emerging prospects in the sport. Even though He continues to fight top competition

Saturday he takes on Ohan of Holbrook, Massachusetts. Ohan is 16-1 with nine knockouts. He has a signature win over undefeated Ryan Dibartolomeo. Ohan has won seven straight, which includes his last outing that took place on August 6th when he defeated Jonathan Ariel Sosa

Johnson weighed 141 lbs. Ohan was 141.6 lbs.

Johnson is promoted by Top Rank.

Lopez and Johnson photo credits by Mikey Williams / Top Rank (via Getty Images). Bridges photo credit by Mark Robinson

    •  Teofimo Lopez 139.2 vs. Sandor Martin 139.8
(Lopez’s WBO International & NABF Junior Welterweight Titles/WBC Title Eliminator — 10 Rounds

   •   Jared Anderson 239 lbs vs. Jerry Forrest 228.2 lbs
 (Vacant WBO Intercontinental and Silver USNBC Heavyweight Titles — 10 Rounds)

   •  Xander Zayas 153 lbs vs. Alexis Salazar 153.8 lbs
 (Zayas’ NABO and Vacant NABF Junior Middleweight Titles — 8 Rounds)

   •  Keyshawn Davis 134.8 lbs vs. Juan Carlos Burgos 134 lbs
 (Vacant WBO Intercontinental & USNBC Lightweight Titles— 8 Rounds)

(ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

•  Frederic Julan 175.8 lbs vs. Joe Ward 174.4 lbs
 (Light Heavyweight — 8 Rounds)

•    Damian Knyba 245.8 lbs vs. Emilio Salas 217 lbs
 (Heavyweight— 6 Rounds)

•  Tiger Johnson 141 lbs vs. Mike Ohan Jr. 141.6 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

* The Jahi Tucker-Ivan Pandzic fight was called off after Tucker missed weight

* The Bruce Carrington-Juan Tapia bout was canceled because Tapia was not cleared by the New York State Athletic Commission

NEW YORK (Dec. 8, 2022) — Former lightweight king and current junior welterweight contender Teofimo Lopez has fought twice on “Heisman Night” in New York City.

In 2018, he knocked out Mason Menard with a right hand 44 seconds into the opening round.

In 2019, he iced Richard Commey in two rounds to win the IBF lightweight world title.

After both triumphs, he put on the jersey of that year’s Heisman Trophy winner. So, the question remains: What will “The Takeover” do in 2022?
 

Lopez will (17-1, 13 KOs) will fight former European junior welterweight king Sandor Martin (40-2, 13 KOs) in the 10-round main event at Madison Square Garden. Lopez-Martin tops a televised quadruple-header airing immediately after the Heisman Trophy Ceremony at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+. Heavyweight sensation Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson aims for his 13th straight knockout against the battle-tested Jerry “Slugger” Forrest, Puerto Rican junior middleweight star Xander Zayas steps up in class against 28-fight veteran Alexis Salazar, and 2020 Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis looks to jumpstart his world title ambitions in a lightweight duel versus Juan Carlos Burgos.

 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with OPI Since ’82, tickets starting at $51 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

At Thursday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Teofimo Lopez

“We all have an opportunity here. We all have an objective to do on Saturday night. My whole thing is, ‘How do we continue the Takeover?’ We just got to keep winning. Whoever they put in front of us, we beat them.”

“I think that we all have a canvas to perform on. I’m an artist myself. So, I’m over here trying to be as abstract as possible when I’m in the ring. It’s all about giving the fans what they really want, which is entertainment. We are in the entertainment business, not the boxing business. And you guys got to remember that. So, by all means, go after everything that you can do. I’ve followed the likes of Prince Naseem. And those are the things that you guys will see. That doesn’t mean I have to showboat like crazy. However, it’s all about giving the fans what they really want.”

“The only surprise that I think everyone will see is how much better I got since my first career loss. What I would like to tell everyone here is that you never really lose. The only time you ever really lose is when you quit. When you say ‘No Mas.’ That’s when you lose.”

Sandor Martin

“I am absolutely ready for this fight. That’s why I have come. It was a preparation that was done on three weeks’ notice, but I had been training because I’m an athlete 24/7, every day of the year. For me, this is the biggest thing that has ever happened to me in my career as an athlete. Basically, in my country, it’s very difficult to be a boxer and come out of Spain. It’s taken a professional career of 42 professional fights across 11 years to have an opportunity like this. As soon as I got the opportunity, I couldn’t reject it. Teofimo Lopez. Madison Square Garden. Top Rank. It’s about making history.”

“I’ve come to win. I respect Teofimo Lopez very much and the career that he’s had as a professional athlete. I respect him a lot as a boxer. I only hope that we deliver a great fight and we come out the ring healthy on Saturday. This is a special moment for me. But I don’t look beyond this fight. At the end of the day, he and I live in two different worlds. He lives in the world of entertainment and I live in the boxing world. When he was recording interviews, watching the Knicks and shopping, I was training. That’s the difference you will see on Saturday.”

Jared Anderson

“It was a great camp. We always come prepared to go the distance in every fight. We did what we needed to do. We did a great job, and we came in shape. Without a doubt, this is my toughest opponent to date. His record speaks for itself. He’s been in there with some of the best and has gone the distance with some of the best. We come ready to go the distance. We’re 12-round fight ready. We train for it, both in and out of the ring and every day.”

Jerry Forrest

“He’s a good fighter, and his camp is smart. I don’t think anyone ever overlooks me. If you’ve seen me fight before, there is no way that you’re going to overlook me. In the fight against {Kubrat} Pulev, I learned a lot about myself. That was my first fight with an injury. So, I learned how to deal with an injury inside the ring and make it work for you. I had to make sure that I went back to camp fully healed first. But, now I’m back. If you’ve seen me work before, then you know what I do.”

Xander Zayas

“I’m excited to be back in New York. I had the opportunity to fight here in March. Then, I had to cancel the fight in June, so being back here as the NABO champion means a lot more. I have a great veteran fighter in front of me with a great coaching staff. So, I have to keep the game plan going, have fun in there and keep listening to my corner. And everything else will fall in place. I did watch a couple videos. I don’t want to give away too much of the game plan. But we are ready for Saturday night.”

Alexis Salazar

“I’m prepared for this fight. I did a good camp. I’m feeling really good. The weight’s good. Everything is good. I expect a good fight. He’s a good fighter. I respect my opponent. He’s a good fighter. I’m like everybody else; I came here to win. And I’m ready to take the win. It’s upset season.”

Keyshawn Davis
 
“As a pro fighter, he’s definitely the toughest fighter I’ve fought. He’s definitely going to bring new challenges to the ring that most likely I haven’t seen before. He’s a vet. He’s fought Mikey Garcia and a lot of other champions. I’m happy he took this fight, and I’m excited to see how things will turn out.”
 
Juan Carlos Burgos
 
“This is a legendary venue. I will have fought three times here already. I have had a loss and a draw, but this Saturday I’m coming for the win. We had a great a great camp. I know it won’t be an easy fight, but I have the confidence and certainty that I will walk away with my hand raised.”

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with OPI Since ’82, tickets starting at $51 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Follow the Top Rank YouTube Channel for daily fight week content ahead of Lopez-Martin.

Saturday, December 10

 ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT)

 
Teofimo Lopez vs. Sandor Martin, 10 rounds, Lopez’s NABF & WBO International Junior Welterweight Titles/WBC final eliminator

Jared Anderson vs. Jerry Forrest, 10 rounds, vacant WBO Intercontinental and Silver USNBC Heavyweight Titles

Keyshawn Davis vs. Juan Carlos Burgos, 8 rounds, vacant WBO Intercontinental and USNBC Lightweight Titles

ESPN+ (6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT)

Bruce Carrington vs. Juan Tapia, 8/6 rounds, Featherweight

Tiger Johnson vs. Mike Ohan Jr., 8 rounds, Junior Welterweight 

NEW YORK (Dec. 6, 2022) — Brooklyn native Teofimo Lopez, the former lightweight king and current junior welterweight contender, kicked off fight week 100 stories above Manhattan. Lopez takes on Spanish southpaw Sandor Martin in a 10-round main event this Saturday, Dec. 10, at Madison Square Garden. Four days from his first main event at MSG’s “big room,” Lopez went face to face with Martin at Edge at Hudson Yards, the highest sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. 

Lopez (17-1, 13 KOs) captured his first world title at Madison Square Garden in December 2019, knocking out Richard Commey in two rounds. He unified the lightweight division with his October 2020 decision over pound-for-pound great Vasiliy Lomachenko and hopes to repeat the feat at junior welterweight. Lopez made his junior welterweight debut in August with a seventh-round stoppage over Pedro Campa. Martin (40-2, 13 KOs) has won 11 straight fights, including a 2021 upset over four-weight world champion Mikey Garcia.

This is what Lopez had to say on Tuesday, 1,000 feet above Midtown:

“This means everything to me.  I won my first world title at Madison Square Garden. Who can say that?  It’s always been a dream of mine since I was a kid. I always heard from Frank Sinatra himself, ‘If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere,’ and what better place than the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden. To me, I believe that’s where legends are born – they are not made there, but they are born there.”

On last time fighting @ MSG vs. Richard Commey:
“That was three years ago, before the pandemic and all of those things that happened, but honestly, I’m so grateful for it. The Arena was packed that night and you could hear everyone from New York, from all different parts – East Coast and West Coast – just coming out with support, and even from Ghana. He was the champion at that time. For the ring walk, I was literally jumping around and looking around the whole arena absorbing and taking it all in – enjoying the moment. I’m a showstopper. I’m a performer. And at the end of it, fighting at Madison Square Garden, you’re going to see that.”
 
On first time headlining at Madison Square Garden: 
“This is a huge moment for me. This is a moment of a lifetime. This is equivalent to my first world title. These are the things I’m really looking forward to. This is my home. My hometown, my home field, and we are really looking forward to putting on a show for everyone on December 10th.”
  
On favorite Garden moment:
“They’re all my favorite, but it was my fifth fight, and I believe my second time fighting at The Garden against Ronald Rivas. This is when my name really started to pop. It was my first time fighting in the big room at Madison Square Garden, where the Knicks play. It was the undercard of Terence Crawford vs. Felix Diaz, and I just set this guy up perfectly – it was so nice. I dipped, dipped, and rolled, and I hit him with a mean hook and just put him down perfectly. It was a perfectly placed punch. I felt at that moment when I looked at him that I could have had some coffee before I threw the punch. It just felt like slow motion at that moment. It was right there I believe where the Takeover turned into full effect and at what better place than Madison Square Garden.”

Lopez-Martin tops a televised quadruple-header airing immediately after the Heisman Trophy Ceremony at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+. Heavyweight sensation Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson aims for his 13th straight knockout against the battle-tested Jerry “Slugger” Forrest, Puerto Rican junior middleweight star Xander Zayas steps up in class against 28-fight veteran Alexis Salazar, and 2020 Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis looks to jumpstart his world title ambitions in a lightweight duel versus Juan Carlos Burgos.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with OPI Since ’82, tickets starting at $51 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

NEW YORK (Nov. 21, 2022) — Junior welterweight contender TeofimoLopez will have a new “Heisman Night” foe. Jose “Sniper” Pedraza contracted a non-COVID-related illness, and Lopez will now face former European champion Sandor Martin on Saturday, Dec. 10, at Madison Square Garden.

Lopez-Martin, scheduled for 10 rounds, is a final eliminator for the WBC world title.

Brooklyn native Lopez (17-1, 13 KOs), the former lightweight king, made his junior welterweight debut in August with a seventh-round stoppage over Pedro Campa. He hopes to become a two-weight world champion in 2023, but the WBO No. 1 junior welterweight contender must first defeat the slippery Spanish southpaw. Martin (40-2, 13 KOs), who hails from Barcelona, authored the 2021 Upset of the Year when he stunned Mikey Garcia by majority decision and sent the four-weight world champion into retirement. Martin, ranked in the top 15 by all four major sanctioning organizations, followed up the Garcia triumph with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Felix in April.

“We wish Jose Pedraza a speedy recovery, but we look forward to facing Sandor Martin. He was the opponent we originally wanted for Heisman Night at Madison Square Garden,” Lopez said. “I will continue to silence the doubters as I take over the 140-pound division. I look forward to giving my hometown fans a special night of boxing.”

Martin said, “I’ve dreamed of fighting in a main event at Madison Square Garden. This is my time. I’ve taken the risk, and I will take control against Teofimo Lopez on December 10th. I will give the fans what they want to see.”

Lopez-Martin tops a televised quadruple-header airing immediately after the Heisman Trophy Ceremony at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+. Heavyweight sensation Jared “The Real Big Baby” Anderson aims for his 13th straight knockout against the battle-tested Jerry “Slugger” Forrest, Puerto Rican junior middleweight star Xander Zayas steps up in class against 28-fight veteran Alexis Salazar, and 2020 Olympic silver medalist Keyshawn Davis looks to jumpstart his world title ambitions in a lightweight duel versus Juan Carlos Burgos.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with OPI Since ’82, tickets starting at $51 are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Sandor Martin followed up his big upset win over Mikey Garcia with a 10-round unanimous decision over Felix in a junior welterweight bout in Spain.

Martin of Barcelona, Spain won by scores of 100-90 twice and 99-91 and is now 40-2. Felix of Los Mochis, MEX is 39-6-1.

Carmona Holds on and Decisions Cordova

Samuel Carmona remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Joel Cordova in a super flyweight bout.

After being rocked hard in round eight, Carmona landed a perfect straight left that put Cordova on the seat of his pants. In round 10, Carmona was bleeding from his nose and left eye.

Carmona won by score4s of 97-93, 96-93 and 96-94 and is now 7-0. Cordova of Ciudad, MEX is 13-6-2.

Obregon Decisions Lomotey

Jhon Jader Obregon won a eight-round unanimous decision over Kyle Lomotey in a fight featuring undefeated middleweights.

In round five, Lomotey was deducted a point for leading with his head. In the same round, Lometey’s left eye began to close.

Obregun of Bilbao, SPA won by scores of 80-71, 78-73 and 77-73 and is now 10-0. Lomotey of Leigh, ENG is 10-1.

Guanini Decisions Levi

Former world champion Jorgelina Guanini won an eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Stevi Levi in a super bantamweight bout.

Levi had blood from her nose.

Guanini of Buenos Airies, ARG won by scores of 80-73, 79-73 and 79-75 and is now 10-4-1. Levi of England is 5-1.

Bolotniks Decisions Sep

Ricards Bolotniks won an eight-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Hrvoje Sep in a lightweight heavyweight bout.

Bolotniks of Latvia won by scores of 78-75 twice and 77-75 and is now 19-6-1. Sep is now 11-1

Matchroom Boxing will return to the Palau Olímpic Vall d’Hebron in Barcelona, Spain on Friday 1 April for a huge night of action topped by Sandor Martin taking on Jose Felix for the WBA International Super-Lightweight Title, live on DAZN. 

Following his sensational victory over Mikey Garcia in October last year – Barcelona’s Martin (39-2, 13 KOs), is set for a homecoming event against the all-action, hard hitting Felix (39-5-1, 30 KOs). In what was arguably one of the biggest wins in Spanish boxing history, Sandor Martin will be looking to maintain momentum towards a World Title shot against the dangerous Mexican.

Unbeaten Olympian Samuel Carmona builds on his impressive and destructive performance in December, with his toughest assignment to date – taking on the seasoned Super Flyweight Fadhili Majiha (28-14-4, 14 KOs). After taking on Galal Yafai four times as an amateur, Carmona looks to keep winning and target an eventual meeting in the pro ranks with the Olympic Gold Medal winner Yafai.

Barcelona’s exciting Super-Lightweight Spanish Champion Alejandro Moya (15-0, 10 KOs) takes a step up against Liverpool’s Tom Farrell (20-5, 5 KOs) and Ricards Bolotniks (18-6-1, 8 KOs) is back in action against unbeaten Croatian Hrvoje Sep (11-0, 8 KOs). 

Following the return of one Spanish golden boy, Matchroom head to the hometown of another on Friday May 20 – as Kerman Lejarraga (34-2, 26 KOs) takes on another British rival James Metcalf (21-2, 13 KOs) at the Bilbao Arena, Bilbao. After a brutal KO win in December, ‘The Revolver’ will be looking to pull the trigger on another standout performance which would propel him towards a first World Title shot.

“I’m so excited to fight again in Barcelona, for me it is a very special comeback after beating Mikey Garcia in California. I needed to fight in front of my people again and feel their support. It could be my last fight before fighting for the world title. I don’t want any surprises, I’ve worked hard and I want to show that I’m ready,” said Sandor Martin.”I’m happy to return to Bilbao before a great fight with Metcalf and then I’m ready for a World Title. My team knows it!” said Kerman Lejarraga.

“Spanish boxing is on the up and we’re thrilled to work with Matchroom Boxing to bring Spanish boxing fans, and fans around the world, the best fighting the best,” said Ed Breeze, EVP Rights at DAZN. “Sandor Martin faces a tough challenge in Jose Felix for the WBA International Super-Lightweight title, after a career changing win last time out against Mikey Garcia. Hometown hero Kerman Lejarraga take on another British rival James Metcalf, looking for a statement and future first World title shot. Don’t miss all the action, live worldwide on DAZN.”“We’re really excited to be returning to Spain with these two consecutive events, live on DAZN,” said Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith. “There is absolutely no doubt that Spanish boxing is in the healthiest position it has ever been in – with huge wins by last year for Sandor Martin, Kerman Lejarraga and of course Kiko Martinez. We want to ride that wave and keep delivering big events to the market! The atmosphere in Barcelona and Bilbao is always special and we look forward to two massive events over the coming months.”

Further details; including full undercard and ticket information will be released in due course.

Sandor Martin got the biggest win of his career and shocked former four-division world champion by winning a 10-round majority decision in a welterweight bout in Fresno, California.

Garcia seemed to never find a rhythm in the contest as he was barely throwing any punches. Martin did not exactly light up the pace, but he landed tricky counters throughout the contest. Garcia pressed throughout, but it was the adept and pinpoint connections by Martin as he won by scores of 97-93 twice and 95-95.

Martin landed 75 of 231 punches; Garcia was 60 of 318.

Martin, 144 lbs of Barcelona, SPA is 39-2. Garcia, 143.5 lbs of Ventura, CA is 40-2.

Castro Takes out Luna in 1

Marc Castro thrilled his hometown fans with a 1st round stoppage over Angel Luna in a scheduled six-round junior lightweight contest.

In round one, Castro came out firing by landing vicious power shots and then put Luna down with a left hook. Luna showed nothing in the fight and Castro opened up and landed a huge flurry and the fight was stopped at 2:41.

Castro, 129.8 lbs of Fresno, CA is 4-0 with four knockouts. Luna, 130.4 lbs of Bronx, NY is 14-8-1.

Gonzalez Decisions Soto; Wins WBO Light Flyweight Title

Jonathan Gonzalez won the WBO Light Flyweight title with a split decision over Elwin Soto.

Gonzalez landed 112 of 519; punches; Soto was 104 0f 434.

Gonzalez, 108 lbs of Caguas, PR won two cards 116-112; Soto rook a card 116-112.

Gonzalez is 25-3-1. Soto, 107.8 lbs of Mexicali, MX is 19-2.

Rodriguez stops Burgos in 4

Jesse Rodriguez stopped Jose Alejandro Burgos in round four of their 10-round light flyweight fight.

In round three, Rodriguez started to bleed from his nose. In round four, Rodriguez landed a left that buckled Burgos. One more left put Burgos on the seat of his pants.. Seconds later, Rodriguez landed another crushing left that put Rodriguez down just as the referee was stopping the fight at 1:23.

Rodriguez, 109.2 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 14-0 with 10 knockouts. Burgos, 110 lbs of Ensenada, MX is 18-5-1.

Jarvis Survives Scare; Stops Rodriguez in 5

Brock Jarvis almost had a nughtmarish American debut, but he stemmed off a tough 2nd round to come back to stop Alejandro Frias Rodriguez in round four of their scheduled 10-round lightweight fight.

In round two, Rodriguez rocked Jarvis and battered him all over the ring for much of the frame. Jarvis was able to gather himself and rev up his offense and in round five, he landed hard shots on the inside and hurt Rodriguez before the fight was stopped at 2:04

Jarvis, 134 lbs of Marrickville, AUS is 20-0 with 18 knockoiuts. Rodriguez, 134 lbs of Tepic, MEX is 13-5-2.

Diego Pacheco remained undefeated with a stoppage in the eighth and final round over Lucas De Abreu of their super middleweight bout.

Pacheco battered De Abreu untilthe bout was stopped at 2:34.

Pacheco, 166.2 lbs of South Cental, LA is 13-0 with 10 knockouts, De Abreu, 166.4 lbs of Miami, FL is 12-1,

Nikita Ababiy remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Sanny Duversonne in a middleweight bout.

Ababiy, 159.2 lbs of Brooklyn, NY won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 77-75 and is now 11-0. Duversonne, 160 lbs of Mimai, FL is 12-5-2.

17-time National Amateur champion, Charlie Sheehy stopped Luciano Ramos in the 4th and final round of their lightweight contest.

In round four, Sheehy landed a big right that put Ramos on the deck. Seconds later, Sheehy landed a fierce combination that forced a referee stoppage at 1:48.

Sheehy, 134.2 lbs of Brisbane, CA is 1-0 with one knockout. Ramos, 137.8 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 0-2.

Oscar Alan Perez won four-round unanimoud decision over Raymundo Rios in a super lightweight bout.

In round two, Perez dropped Rios with a right-left combination.

Perez, 136.9 lbs of Houston, TX won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is now 4-0. Rios, 139.6 lbs of Durango, MX is 3-7-2.

‘BEFORE THE BELL’, LIVE ON MATCHROOM YOUTUBE FROM 2.30PM PT
 
4 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
 
OSCAR ALAN PEREZ (135.2lbs) vs. RAYMUNDO RIOS (139.6lbs)
 
Followed by
 
4 x 3 mins Lightweight contest
 
CHARLIE SHEEHY (134.2lbs)     vs.     LUCIANO RAMOS (137.8lbs)
 
Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Middleweight contest
 
NIKITA ABABIY (159.2lbs)        vs.     SANNY DUVERSONNE (160lbs)
 
Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight contest
 
DIEGO PACHECO (166.2lbs)     vs.     LUCAS DE ABREU (166.4lbs)
 
LIVE ON DAZN FROM 4.30PM PT
 
10 x 3 mins IBF Intercontinental Lightweight contest
 
BROCK JARVIS (134.8lbs)         vs.     ALEJANDRO FRIAS RODRIGUEZ (134lbs)
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 mins Light-Flyweight contest
 
JESSE RODRIGUEZ (109.2lbs)   vs.     JOSE ALEJANDRO BURGOS (110lbs)
 
Followed by
 
12 x 3 mins WBO World Light-Flyweight title
 
ELWIN SOTO (107.8lbs)  vs.     JONATHAN GONZALEZ (108lbs)
 
Followed by
 
6 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
 
MARC CASTRO (129.6lbs)        vs.     ANGEL LUNA (130.4)
 
10 x 3 mins Welterweight contest @145lbs
 
MIKEY GARCIA (143.6lbs)        vs.     SANDOR MARTIN (144lbs)
 
Mikey Garcia
 
 
“We’re excited to be back. I’m excited to be back to Saturday and show the world that I’m still here. I told everybody that I’m here. I haven’t left. There still much more from my key Garcia to give the fans. It’s just another fight to give back and show them. I did take the fight with Jesse. We had plans to have a great year last year. But because of the pandemic, you know everything kind of froze and went silent. But I’m excited to finally get back and look for much bigger fights. I want to be big again and big title fights. And all the fights that excite me the most. That’s another step in that direction.
 
“I’ve been there. I’ve been in his shoes in his place. Where you want that opportunity to show your fans in the whole world what you’re made of. So, I always think that I know what he has and the feature that he sees if he would’ve beat me on Saturday. But I’m not going to let that happen. I’m also want to try to reach greater success. Quite a fight. I’m not overlooking him. I must take him very seriously. I’m going to have the best version of Sandor Martin on Saturday night. This is going to be a bigger fight for him probably than if you were fighting in Europe for a vacant title. A vacant world title that doesn’t highlight enough or probably doesn’t do enough for him as this fight does. This is the highest level, the highest stage of his career. 
 
“I can expect the very, very best Sandor Martin Saturday night. I want the very best so I can get the very best out of me also. If I had an opponent who was going to take a knee, it doesn’t motivate me. That doesn’t do it for me. That doesn’t excite me. I want someone who can push me and touch me. To bring out the very best.
 
“I do feel I have to perform and win, spectacular. I keep hearing people ask if I need to knock out. I don’t need a knockout to look great. I don’t need a knockout to show everybody who I am as a fighter. I still have everything, and I haven’t lost a step. I just got to do well, perform well, and do my job. Get the win. In a way that people can recognize my talent is still here. And that’s what I plan to do.”
 
Sandor Martin
 
“It’s a great opportunity and I must take advantage of it. It’s a great championship, to be fighting against Mikey Garcia. That’s why I got involved in boxing, to accept the great challenges, to achieve my dreams. So why worked all my life for this opportunity.
 
“It’s very important for me to be making my debut against Mikey Garcia. It’s a great opportunity to present myself for the first time in the United States. And yes, this is a challenge. I need exposure on the big level so that after I can fight the big events and fight the big names in boxing. That’s why I came here. Mikey Garcia is one of the best fighters. And I always want to fight the best fighters.
 
“48 hours is how long it will take until I present myself to the world. With the rest of the world champions to be put on notice.”
 
Elwin Soto
 
“It’s going to be a big war. What I know is that I’m going to go out there and win.
 
 
“I think it will be the defense that’s kind of tough. I hope we will do very well and I’m passing through this commitment in the unification fight, and I hope to move up to another division.
 
“To be able to fight there, on the Canelo card, it’s something I never expected, and it was a great opportunity. So, I’m grateful to matching for the opportunity and to be here as well. I feel very nice here in Fresno, California and I know I’m going to give a great fight.”
 
Jonathan Gonzalez 
 
“The only thing I can say is that Saturday night is going to be a war. I’m coming to be the next world champion. I live for big fights.
 
“I have to be a world champion now. This could be my last opportunity. That’s why I’ve tried hard for this fight. October 16 is going to be a great night in Puerto Rico is going to have another champion.”
 
Marc Castro
 
“I’m excited to see the fans reactions in the fans coming out to support. I know the support is real here in Fresno. Everybody knows me here and my family and they know that a lot of hard work went into this.
 
“The main thing is that I stay in the gym. I stay focused. I work hard every day and try to become the best version of myself. I feel like in 2022 I’m gonna keep getting better and better. I believe the best version of myself can’t be beat.”
 
Angel Luna
 
“I’m ready for the fight. Thank you to the fans. Thank you everybody. Thank you for the support. We’re going to make sure that we give a great fight on Saturday. I’m very ready for this. I’m taking this very seriously for this fight on Saturday.”
 
Jesse Rodriguez
 
“I’ve been ready since I was 19 or 20. I was waiting for the opportunity. End it once came for this fight but it fell through. And I believe everything happens for a reason. I’m gonna keep working and keep getting my wings up. And you know the type of shot will come.
 
“Tune in Saturday night I’m going to show you an explicit performance, your original Bam Rodriguez performance. Don’t miss it.”
 
Brock Jarvis
 
“Me and Jeff, we work really hard. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be on such an amazing show and to be here with Mikey Garcia who’s one of the all-time greats. It’s an amazing privilege and I’ve been working real hard to go to work. 
 
 
“We’ve been working out of the gym in Vegas, and I’ve been working with the guys there. Great group of guys and they’ve been helping me out. I’m very thankful for that and it’s gotten me ready.
 
“It’s one step at a time for me and I think I’ve got a tough fight on Saturday night. I prepared for a hard 10 rounds and that’s what I’m expecting. So, we’re ready for that.”
 
Khalil Coe
 
“I’m just looking to build up for the next fight. And get better and I’m here with a teammate and a friend
 
“The outcome was bigger than I expected. Once I thought I didn’t know people would remember my name. I had my own section but there were a lot of other people that I didn’t know that came to support me. And it felt amazing.
 
“I’m here to make a statement on Saturday you know so they can recognize and see I’m coming.”
 
Nikita Ababiy
 
“I feel amazing. I feel like I’ve never left and I’m back. I have to take care of some little things, mental stuff, family stuff and all that.
 
“When you’re in the boxing game you have to eat sleep and breathe only boxing. I had to take care of a couple things but now I’m back and I’m only breathing boxing.
 
“At the beginning I feel like I was living in the moment I wasn’t really understanding that I was fighting in Madison Square Garden, at The O2 and Staples Center. And then it kind of hit me. Now I feel like I’m returning. I’m 22 now. I have a better grasp.
 
“You know you move quick when you’re with a great promoter like yourself. I guess you could say we’re not prospects anymore. Since the fight on Saturday, get out in December and then it’s going to be interesting.
 
Diego Pacheco
 
“Like you said I’m still very young, but I am moving pretty fast in the sport. I feel like I’m moving at the right pace. Every chance that’s been put in front of me I’ve been able to take care of. And I look forward to keeping doing the same thing that I’ve been doing.
 
“I’m from LA so I’ve been very blessed to work with two world champions down there. Canelo and Benavidez and a lot of other guys that I’ve taught me things in the gym. I’m really thankful for that and I’m happy with how my careers been going so far.”

Marc Castro says he’s ‘thrilled’ to be fighting for the first time in the paid ranks in his hometown as he takes pride of place on the undercard of Mikey Garcia’s clash with Sandor Martin on Saturday October 16 at Chukchansi Park in Fresno, California, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT TICKETS.COM

Castro (3-0 3 KOs) has dispatched all three of his opponents inside the distance since joining the paid ranks in December, with all those fights coming on the undercards of Mexican giant Canelo Alvarez.

The 22 year old will be looking to land a fourth KO in the paid ranks on his home patch, and the former three time National Silver Gloves and two-time National Junior Olympics champion is ready to thrill his hometown faithful.

“God’s timing is perfect, I’m grateful and thrilled for the opportunity to fight in front of my hometown for the first time as a pro,” said Castro. “I’ve always had amazing support in Fresno and I’m so proud to be fighting there on October 16, hopefully the first night of many to come!

“Fighting at home is important for me – I know that there are massive fights ahead of me in the future, and I would love for them to take place in Fresno.”

A stacked undercard in support of the main event is led by two World Light-Flyweight title fights as WBO king Elwin Soto puts his crown on the line against Jonathan Gonzalez and WBA champion Esteban Bermudez defends his strap against Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez, and there’s plenty more young talent on the card with unbeaten Australian Super-Featherweight Brock Jarvis (19-0 17 KOs) fighting under the Matchroom banner for the first time and Diego Pacheco (12-0 9 KOs), Nikita Ababiy (10-0 6 KOs) and Khalil Coe (1-0 1 KO) all looking to add wins to their impressive starts in the pro game.

“What a great occasion for Marc on October 16,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Fighting for the first time as a pro in your hometown is always a big deal, but Marc will take it in his stride and show the fans in his backyard that they are in for a ride to the top if they join him on his journey.

“It’s a stacked card in Fresno with Mikey’s fight with Sandor and two cracking World title fights at Light-Flyweight, and with Marc being joined by fellow young guns Brock, Diego, Nikita and Khalil; it’s going to be a great night of action in California.”

Mikey Garcia returns to action on October 16 as he takes on Sandor Martin at Chukchansi Park in Fresno, California, topping a stacked bill featuring two Light-Flyweight World title bouts, live worldwide on DAZN.
**TICKETS ON SALE TOMORROW (SEPTEMBER 17) FROM 11AM (PT) AT TICKETS.COM**
Former four-weight World ruler Garcia (40-1 30 KOs) last stepped through the ropes in February 2020, flooring Jessie Vargas at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, en-route to a points win over his fellow Mexican-American. The 33 year old is plotting a route towards more World title glory, and the Californian fan favorite plans to put on a show at the home of the Fresno Grizzlies.

“I’m very excited to get back in the ring and give my fans another night to remember,” said Garcia. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone on October 16 in Fresno – it’s going to be a great night of boxing.”

Martin (38-2 13 KOs) has form and activity in his favor as he makes his American debut in the biggest fight of his career. The Spaniard recorded a wide decision win over Kay Prospere in the second defense of his European Super-Lightweight in April in his Barcelona backyard, and the 28 year old will be leaving everything in the ring on what he believes is potentially a life-changing night.

“I’m so excited for this opportunity,” said Martin. “The sport of boxing brings me the chance to change my life. There will be a before and after for everyone in this fight.”

A stacked undercard in support of the main event is led by two World Light-Flyweight title fights as WBO king Elwin Soto puts his crown on the line against Jonathan Gonzalez and WBA champion Esteban Bermudez defends his strap against Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez.

Soto (19-1 13 KOs) entertained a packed crowd at AT&T Stadium on Cinco de Mayo weekend, stopping Katsunari Takayama in the ninth round of their clash on the undercard of Soto’s fellow Mexican star Canelo Alvarez’s clash with Billy Joe Saunders. That was a third successful defense for the 25 year old and the first inside the distance of the belt he ripped from Angel Acosta with a dramatic final round KO over the Puerto Rican in June 2019, and he makes his fourth defense on October 16 against Gonzalez in a bout in association with Zanfer Promotions.

It’s another Puerto Rican foe in Soto’s way in Fresno in the shape of mandatory challenger Gonzalez (22-3-1 13 KOs). The 30 year old is in his second World title tilt having travelled to Japan in August 2019 to face WBO Flyweight king Kosei Tanaka and the successful amateur landed the WBO NABO belt at Light-Fly in February 2020 and defended it with a fourth round KO of Armando Torres in May to land his mandatory status.

“I can’t wait to get back in the ring and defend my title,” said Soto. “Texas was a great night and I think this will be too. Gonzalez is a proud Puerto Rican contender, and we all know that when Mexico and Puerto Rico step through the ropes, there are fireworks, so the fans are going to love this fight.

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time,” said Gonzalez. “Soto’s style fits me perfectly. It will be a war of Puerto Rico vs. Mexico.”

Bermudez (14-3-2 10 KOs) ripped the WBA strap from Carlos Canizales in May, stopping the defending champion in Mexico City inside six rounds in what was the Mexican’s first World title fight. The 25 year old faces a formidable test in the first defense of his crown against rising Texas talent Rodriguez.

Rodriguez (13-0 9 KOs) is one of American boxing’s bright young stars, and the 21 year old Texan gets his first World title shot in Fresno. Trained by Robert Garcia, Rodriguez will be aiming to emulate his WBA World Super-Flyweight champion brother Joshua Franco and bring more hardware back to San Antonio.

“This is going to be a great fight,” said Bermudez. “Jesse is a really talented fighter, and I am sure that he will be in great shape and ready to rock on October 16, but I worked too hard to become World champion to let it go in my first defense, so this will be a war.”

“This is the opportunity I’ve been waiting for my whole life,” said Rodriguez. “First of all, I want to thank everybody at Matchroom, Robert and Mikey Garcia, Mr. Honda, my father and everybody at RGBA for supporting me since day one. I also want to thank Bermudez for giving me the opportunity to fight for his title.

“I know it won’t be an easy fight, but I plan on walking out of the ring October 16 as the new World champion and bring the title home to San Antonio. It will be an honor for me and my brother Joshua to be World champions at the same time. I am training very hard and promise I won’t disappoint anybody.”

“I am really looking forward to getting back to the States with a cracking card in Fresno,” said promoter EddieHearn. “It’s great to see Mikey back in the ring, a future hall of fame star that always makes for entertaining fights and is hunting his next World title target – but this is a massive opportunity for Sandor and one that he will be desperate to take with both hands.

“We have two fantastic World title fights in the always exciting Light-Flyweight division with WBO champion Elwin Soto and WBA champion Esteban Bermudez putting their belts on the line against Jonathan Gonzalez and Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez respectively – Fresno fight fans are in for a real treat on October 16.”

“It’s an honor to work with Matchroom and Mikey Garcia on this night,” said promoter Rick Mirigian, who is working with Matchroom on the event. “October 16 will be a night no-one will forget here in Fresno; I promise you that.”

Further undercard fights will be announced before tomorrows on sale launch.

Matchroom Boxing Spain will return to the Pabellón de la Vall d`Hebron in Barcelona on Friday March 26 for a huge night of European Title action as local favourite Sandor Martin puts his Super-Lightweight crown on the line against Kay Prosper and Featherweight Champion Andoni Gago defends his Featherweight belt against Gavin McDonell, live on DAZN. 
 
Barcelona’s Martin (36-2, 13 KOs) claimed the European 140lbs Title by dominating Italy’s Andrea Scarpa and becoming the first man to stop him in July 2019, before widely outpointing Britain’s former champion Joe Hughes when he headlined the first-ever DAZN show from his home country in December that year.
 
Luton’s English Champion Prosper (14-1-1, 7 KOs) beat Sam O’Maison at London’s iconic York Hall in September 2019 at the second time of asking to become the town’s first ever national champion. ‘Special K’ had missed out to O’Maison earlier in the year, with a controversial draw, but the now 36-year-old took the rematch unanimously on points to claim his first professional Title.
 
Bilbao’s Gago (24-3-3, 7 KOs) won the 126lbs Euro Title in his home city back in June 2019, outpointing Madrid’s Jesus Sanchez to earn a split decision win. ‘El Macho’ won his next two contests early, stopping Carlos Arroyo in two rounds a year ago before earning a fifth-round technical decision against Brayan Mairena last October after an unintentional headbutt.
 
Doncaster’s two-time Super-Bantamweight World Title challenger McDonnell (22-2-2, 6 KOs) attempts to become a two-weight European Champion after winning and defending the 122lbs Title in 2015. The 34-year-old is looking to revive his career after moving up in weight following his loss to Daniel Roman in Chicago in 2018.  
 
Also on the card, Torrelavega’s European Super-Welterweight Champion Sergio ‘El Nino’ Garcia (33-0, 14 KOs) keeps busy as he looks to defend his Title later in the year and Bilbao’s former European Welterweight ruler Kerman ‘Revolver’ Lejarraga (31-2, 24 KOs) aims to make it four wins in a row since losing his belt to David Avanesyan.
 
Matchroom Sport Managing Director Eddie Hearn said: “This is a huge card for Spanish boxing and we can’t wait to return on March 26. As Matchroom Boxing continues its global expansion, Spain remains a big focus for us and this double European Title card features some of the country’s strongest talents with two hungry Brits looking to come and rip the Titles from them. Don’t miss all the action live on DAZN.”

European Super-Lightweight Champion Sandor Martin has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Matchroom and OPI Since 82.
 
The crafty Spanish southpaw (36-2, 13 KOs) claimed the European crown by dominating Italy’s Andrea Scarpa and becoming the first man to stop him in July last year, before widely outpointing Britain’s former champion Joe Hughes when he headlined the first-ever DAZN show from his home country in December.  
 
The youngest Spanish Super-Lightweight Champion in the country’s history, Barcelona’s Martin was a solid amateur, and had a brief spell as a kick-boxer, before joining the pro ranks at the age of 18 in 2011, where he has amassed 36 wins from 38 fights, only losing twice to decent opponents including Anthony Yigit.
 
“It gives me great pleasure to join the OPI and Matchroom teams,” said Martin. “I’m also very proud to be the first Spanish boxer to sign with both companies. From now on, with the support of Boxing Management, the situation is optimal to try to achieve a World Title opportunity. We are ready and expectant to make my debut with my new team.”
 
“I’m delighted to welcome Sandor Martin to the Matchroom team and look forward to promoting his future fights with our friends at OPI Since 82,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “We saw Sandor put in a classy dominant performance against Joe Hughes when he headlined the first-ever DAZN show in Spain last year and that’s just a sign of things to come as we look to push him towards world level and develop him into a star of Spanish boxing.”
 
Christian Cherchi of OPI Since 82 said: “We are very happy to add reigning European Super-Lightweight Champion Sandor Martin to our ranks. Sandor is one of the very best fighters in Spain. With the support of Matchroom World Title opportunities are waiting for him.”