LAS VEGAS – Seniesa Estrada retained the WBA/WBC Ninimumweight titles with a unanimous decision over Leonela Yudica at The Palms Casino Resort.

Estrada landed 161 of 549 punches. Yudica was 144 of 506.

Estrada, 104.4 lbs of East Los Angeles won by scores of 97-93 on all cards and is now 25-0. Yudica, 103.7 lbs of San Juan, ARG is now 19-2-3.

“I knew coming into this fight that she was a boxer who would move away from me and not come forward much. In my preparation, I knew I had to show something different in myself. In my last fight, I fought a good champion who came forward and was aggressive, and I easily outboxed her. In this fight, she’s a boxer and a mover, and I showed that I can fight any type of style because my style is very versatile,” said Estrada. 

Going into this fight, I knew she was a natural flyweight so she is a lot bigger than me physically. So I knew she was going to be able to hang in there. She’s fought very good champions before and always went the distance with them.

I definitely had to use my footwork. I have very good footwork. I had to use my feints and movements to make sure I was close enough to land punches and not get countered. I did get countered, of course. It’s a fight, so that’s going to happen. But I just continue to prove that I’m the best in the division. 

I want Yokasta Valle. I’m the best in this division. I want to prove it by beating her. She can just hand me those belts right now because when we fight it’s going to be bad for her. 

Andres Cortes Stops Xavier Martinez After 7

Andres Cortes beatdown Xavier Martinez after round seven of their 10-round junior lightweight bout.

Cortes, 130 lbs of Las Vegas is now 20-0 with 11 knockouts. Martinez, 129.7 lbs of Sacramento, CA is 18-2.

In a competitive eight round lightweight bout, Nahir Albright pounded out ab eight-round unanimous decision over Karlos Balderas.

Balderas, 134.1 lbs of Santa Maria, CA won by scores of 77-75 twice and 76-76 and is now 16-2. Balderas, 135.9 lbs of Santa Maria, CA is 14-2.

“I was feeling myself, and I started finding a groove. When that happens, the fight’s over.” said Cortes.

“It was a good stoppage. His eye was messed up. He was having trouble seeing with the eye because he kept blinking.”

“I want the winner of Emanuel Navarrete vs. Oscar Valdez. I want any champion at 130. If not, I’m going to move up 135 and get all of those champions there.”

Rohan Polanco remained undefeated with a fifth round stoppage over Cesar Francis in a scheduled eight-round super welterweight fight.

At the end of round four, Polanco landed a looping left to the head that was followed by a straight right that put Francis on the canvas.

Early in round five, Polanco dropped Francis again with a right hand and the fight was stopped at 1:05.

Polanco, 142.9 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR 10-0 with six knockouts. Francis, 141.8 lbs of Brooklyn is 12-2.

It was a war while it lasted, but Abraham Nova stopped former world champion Johnathan Romero in round three of their 10-round junior lightweight bout.

After a furious exchange in round two, Nova dropped Romero with a hard left hook. In round three, the two stood toe-to-toe, and Nova uncorked a hard right over the top that sent Romero down face first and he did not beat the the count at 2:47.

Nova, 130.8 lbs of Albany, NY is now 23-1 with 16 knockouts. Romero, 130.8 lbs of Cali, COL is 35-2.

Suburu Murata stopped Juan Centeno after round four of their six-round junior featherweight bout.

In round three, Murata dropped Centeno with a left hook to the body. Murata continued to dominate and Centeno did no come out for round five.

Murata, 121.5 lbs of Tokyo, JAP is 5-0 with five knockouts. Centeno, 123.3 lbs of Managua, NIC is 8-9-3.

Dante Benjamin Jr. and William Langston fought to a six-round majority draw in a light heavyweight bout.

Scores were 58-56 for Langston and 57-57 twice. Benjamín, 170.1 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 7-0-1. Langston, 171.9 lbs of Kenosha, WI is 8-3-1.

Charlie Sheehy stopped Kaylyn Alford in round three of their six-round lightweight bout.

In round three, Sheehy dropped Alford with a vicious left hook to the head. Alford got to his feet, but the referee waved the fight off at 31 seconds.

Sheehy, 134.5 lbs of Brisbane, CA is now 7-0 with five knockouts. Alford, 133.4 lbs of Lafyette, LA is 4-5-2.

LAS VEGAS, NV (July 25, 2023) – Undefeated lightweight, Andres “Savage” Cortes (19-0, 10 KOs), is ready to return to the ring this Friday, July 28, at the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, where he will be a part of a ten-round junior lightweight bout. He takes on contender Xavier Martinez (18-1, 12 KOs) in a fight that could very well have world title implications. 

The bout serves as the co-main event to Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada as she looks to defend her WBC and WBA minimumweight world titles against former world champion Leonela Yudica, which will be topping the bill of the broadcast on ESPN+.

Cortes, who was a stand-out amateur best known for defeating Teofimo Lopez in the amateurs, signed with Top Rank Inc., in 2020. Cortes has proven to be a complete fighter and is looking to take his career to the next level. 

Here is what Cortes had to say about his recent training camp, his upcoming matchup with Xavier Martinez, fighting at home and more.

On his recent training camp:

“Training camp has been great, and we finally finished up. I am training with my brother day in and day out. It is a lot of hard work, and training here in Las Vegas, it has been really hot, so it’s been a bit brutal. I feel winning a fight like this puts me in the position to be able to call out the top names in the division. I am not satisfied with my position in the sport of boxing, and I have entered this camp with a deep hunger. I worked very hard and have had to prove a lot to myself, the fans, and promoters to get to this point. I truly believe this will be a fight that defines my career up to this poing. I treated this camp with that same level of intensity.”

?

On his matchup with Xavier Martinez:

“I see a lot of similarities between myself and Xavier. We both hit hard, and I know he has a high ring IQ like me. The man with the most desire with be victorious, and I envision that being me. Its going to be a rough fight, but I know I have the skills and will to come out on top. I’m expecting this fight to the distance.

On fighting on ESPN+

“It is big to have a great promoter behind me and trust that on a big fight weekend, I can be the co-main event of a world-class boxing show. I want to thank everyone at Top Rank for believing in me. I am humbled by this opportunity, and I hope that I can put on a performance that makes the fans, my promoter, and the boxing world at large want to see me in the main event of a fight card soon, if not next.”

On fighting in his hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada:

“I love it. Familiar faces in the crowd, no airports for this fight. I will be able to come and go the way I want. It makes the meal prep for the weight cut that much easier. Vegas is my city and people will see that I can bring a crowd. I will have fans in the building, and I am energized to go out there and show that I will be a world champion. I’m thrilled to be back fighting in my hometown. I am overjoyed at having my biggest fight to date in the place that shaped me into the man I am today.”

LAS VEGAS, NV (July 14, 2023) – Top Rank’s undefeated Jr. Lightweight, Andres Cortes (19-0, 10 KOs), from Las Vegas, NV, is eager to make a statement against his most dangerous opponent to date, the powerful Xavier Martinez (18-1, 12 KOs), who hails from Sacramento, CA. The scheduled 10-round bout, taking place at Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort, on July 28, 2023, will serve as the co-main event on the Seniesa Estrada (24-0, 9 KOs) vs. Leonela Yudica (19-1-3, 2 KOs) 10-round women’s minimumweight world title main event.

The entire Estrada-Yudica card will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. On the line for the Cortes-Martinez battle will be the US WBC Silver Jr. Lightweight, with the winner getting one step closer to fighting for a world title.

Andres Cortes, a rising star hailing from the fight capital of the world, has consistently demonstrated his resolve within the junior lightweight division. Boasting an unblemished record, Cortes has shown a combination of skill, power, and determination that has set him apart from his peers. He’s ready to prove his worth against Martinez.

“This is the fight I’ve been waiting for my entire career,” said Cortes, when asked about the significance of this fight and the potential rewards that await him. “A win here would not only prove my worth as a top contender but also open doors to bigger fights and greater recognition. I’m grateful to my promoter, Top Rank, for believing in me and providing this opportunity. This is a very tough fight and I’m ready to seize the moment and show the world what I’m capable of.”

Guiding Cortes’ journey is his brother, Luis, who serves as both his trainer and manager. Luis understands the significance of this fight and the immense potential it holds for Andres’ career. He said, “We’ve put in countless hours of hard work and preparation for this moment. We know Xavier Martinez is a tough opponent, but we believe we are the better fighter. I’ve been told that if we win this fight, we will be on the footstep of fighting for a world title. A victory will solidify us as a top contender in the division.”

“I’ve proven myself over the course of my career that I’ll take on the toughest fights presented to me,” continued Andres Cortes. “Most fighters would never step in the ring with some of the fighters I’ve faced this early in my career. I believe Top Rank will honor the winner of this fight with a world title shot or top ranking. Either way, everything is riding on this fight. I must win and win impressively.”

LAS VEGAS (June 14, 2023) — Pound-for-pound dynamo Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada will defend her WBC and WBA minimumweight world titles against Argentina’s former world champion Leonela Yudica on Friday, July 28 at Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

In the 10-round junior lightweight co-feature, unbeaten Las Vegas native Andres “Savage” Cortes will take on Sacramento-born contender Xavier Martinez.

The entire Estrada-Yudica card will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $50 go on sale Thursday, June 15 at 12 p.m. PT and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

“Seniesa Estrada is one of the very best fighters on the planet and is only getting better with every fight,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Yudica is an experienced championship-level fighter who will be undeterred fighting on the big stage. I expect a sensational fight on July 28, along with a co-feature between Cortes and Martinez that promises fireworks.”

Estrada (24-0, 9 KOs) is a 12-year pro who has competed at the world class level in three weight classes. In 2019, she beat U.S. Olympic bronze medalist Marlen Esparza to capture the WBA interim flyweight world title. Two years later, she captured the WBA minimumweight and WBO light flyweight titles in fights against Anabel Ortiz and Tenkai Tsunami. Estrada then vacated those belts to pursue undisputed glory at minimumweight. She signed with Top Rank in 2022 and returned from a nearly 11-month layoff in November of that year to shut out Jazmin Gala Villarino. In March, she added the WBC belt to her collection with a shutout win over the previously unbeaten Tina Rupprecht.

“I am willing to fight any woman in or around my weight class, and I respect Yudica for accepting the challenge,” Estrada said. “My goal is to become the undisputed champion at minimumweight, but I can’t achieve that goal without defeating Yudica first. She is standing in my way, and I am coming to Las Vegas to make an emphatic statement.”

Yudica (19-1-3, 1 KO) debuted as a pro in April 2012 and captured the IBF flyweight world title with a split decision win against Gabriela Bouvier in December 2014. She held the title for nearly eight years, fighting to a draw in her first defense against Vanesa Lorena Taborda in 2015 before defending it seven times. The native of San Juan, Argentina, lost the belt in a tightly contested split decision loss to Arely Muciño in October 2022 and is coming off a 10-round decision victory over Tamara Elisabet Demarco in April. 

Yudica said, “I’m taking this amazing opportunity to show the world what Argentinian fighters are made of. I’m bringing the belts back home to San Juan with me.”

Cortes (19-0, 10 KOs) was a standout amateur, defeating Teofimo Lopez twice in the unpaid ranks. A seven-year pro, Cortes made his Top Rank debut in 2020 and has built a reputation for engaging in action-packed affairs. He shined on the Emanuel Navarrete-Liam Wilson undercard in February, shutting out Puerto Rican upstart Luis Melendez in his first scheduled 10-rounder. Martinez (18-1, 12 KOs) returns to action following an 11-month layoff, intent on proving he belongs in the junior lightweight title conversation. He rebounded from a one-sided loss to Robson Conceição with a stoppage win over Alejandro Guerrero last August.

Undercard action includes two competitive matchups featuring talents from four different Latin American countries.  

Puerto Rican-born junior lightweight contender Abraham “El Super” Nova (22-1, 15 KOs) will face Colombian former world champion Jonathan Romero (35-1, 19 KOs) in a 10-rounder. Nova, who fights out Albany, New York, holds wins over Avery Sparrow and William Encarnacion. In June 2022, he suffered his first defeat via fifth-round knockout against two-time Olympic gold medalist and current world champion Robeisy Ramirez. He bounced back in January with a 10-round decision win over Adam Lopez. Romero edged Alejandro Lopez by split decision in 2013 to capture the IBF junior featherweight world title. He is 12-0 since losing the title in his first defense to Kiko Martinez.

Dominican Olympian Rohan “El Rayo” Polanco (9-0, 5 KOs) steps up against Panamanian-born contender Cesar “Rainman” Francis (12-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round junior welterweight fight. Polanco went 4-0 as a pro before losing in his opening Olympic bout in Tokyo in 2021. Polanco returned to the paid ranks in November 2021 and is coming off a six-round decision win against Ricardo Quiroz in April. Francis seeks to regain his momentum following a 10-round decision loss to Jesus Saracho in January. 

The ESPN+-streamed undercard also features an eight-round lightweight fight between 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas (14-1, 12 KOs) and Philadelphia standout Nahir Albright (15-2, 7 KOs).

Former Team USA amateur standout Charlie Sheehy (6-0, 4 KOs) will see action in a six-round lightweight tilt, while hard-hitting Japanese southpaw Subaru Murata (4-0, 4 KOs) returns in a six-round junior featherweight battle.

# # #
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Palms Casino Resort is making history as the first resort in Las Vegas fully owned and operated by a Native American Tribe. Palms Casino Resort features two distinct towers with 766 hotel rooms and suites, a diverse mix of bars, restaurants, live entertainment venues, and immersive lifestyle experiences across a 95,000-square-foot reimagined casino. Offering free valet and self-parking, the resort also includes over 190,000 square feet of meeting, convention, and event space; the Pearl, a 2,500-seat theater; an expansive pool, The Spa & Salon at Palms; a wedding chapel; the Brenden Theatre 14-screen cinema and nearly 600 units at Palms Place condominiums. Palms is located just west of the center of the Las Vegas Strip off I-15 on Flamingo Road. Palms Casino Resort is owned by The San Manuel Gaming and Hospitality Authority (“SMGHA”) an affiliate of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. For more information visit http://www.palms.com/ or the Palms Press Room. Follow Palms on social media  Facebook Twitter Instagram.

Emanuel Navarrete retained the WBO Featherweight Title with a sixth round stoppage over Eduardo Baez at The Pechanga Sports Arena in San Diego.

In round six, Navarrete landed a perfect left hook to the side that sent Baez down on delayed reaction and the fight was over at 1:05.

Navarrete, 125.8 lbs of Mexico is 36-1 with 30 knockouts. Baez, 125.8 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is 21-3-2.

“I expected a fight like this. I never underestimated Eduardo Baez. I knew that he was an excellent fighter and the fact that he hit pretty hard. It was a lot more complicated than I anticipated. But then came that shot, and I was able to finish him,” Navarrete said. “That’s a very Mexican punch. It comes with my blood. And you can see, I don’t throw a perfect left hook like you’re used to seeing. But this one came out perfect for me. And you saw the result because not many guys can take that shot.”

Santillan Decisions Luna

Giovani Santillan remained undefeated won a 10-round unanimous decision over Julio Luna in a welterweight contest.

In round two, Santillan was cut along the right side of his forehead. Santillan fought through a cut over his right eye. It was a tough fight throughout that saw Santillan push the action.

Santillan landed 188 of 554 punches; Luna was 210 of 679.

Santillan, 147.4 lbs of San Diego, CA won by scores of 100-90 twice and 96-94 and is now 30-0. Luna, 147.4 of Gomez Palcios, MEX is 19-1-2.

“It was a lot tougher than I expected. Luna gave me a great fight, and I am just thankful for the opportunity to fight once again in my hometown,” Santillan said.

Nico Ali Walsh Stops Sanchez in 2 Rounds of Rematch

Nico Ali Walsh remained undefeated by stopping Reyes Sanchez in the second round of their four-round middleweight rematch.

In round two, Ali Walsh landed a hard left hook to the body that put Sanchez down for the 10-count at 2:45.

Ali Walsh, 157.8 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is 6-0 with five knockouts. Sanchez, 157.3 lbs of Topeka, KS is 7-3.

The fight was a rematch of a bout that saw Ali Walsh win a majority decision on December 11, 2021.

“I feel amazing. This was a special win because it was a rematch. It’s everything I’ve been working towards. My hard work is now showing in the ring. I want everyone to see that it’s a new me,” Ali Walsh said. “It was so gratifying. Timothy Bradley called it in the fighter meetings yesterday. It was a beautiful shot. It was the shot I was looking for. It was the shot I was dreaming about, and it happened because I worked so hard for it.”

In a battle of undefeated junior welterweights, Lindolfo Delgado won an eight-round unanimous decision over Omar Aguilar.

In round one, Aguilar began to bleed from his nose.

Delgado, 142 lbs of Linares, MEX won by scores of 79-73 twice and 77-75 and is now 16-0. Aguilar, 142 lbs of Ensanada, MEX is 24-1.

Austin Brooks remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Oliver Gallcia in a junior lightweight bout.

In round one, Brooks dropped Galicia with a left.

Brooks, 129.4 lbs of San Diego, CA won by scores of 40-35 on all cards and is now 8-0. Gallcia, 128.6 lbs of Los Angeles, CA is now 5-1-1.

Xavier Martinez stopped gritty Alejandro Guerrero in round five of a scheduled eight-round junior lightweight bout.

Martinez landed a lot of power shots through four-plus rounds, and in round five, Martinez landed several flush blows which included some booming right hands that forced a referee stoppage at 2:57.

Martinez, 131.6 lbs of Sacramento, CA is now 18-1 with 12 knockouts. Guerrero, 131.8 lbs of Houston, TX is 12-3.

Miguel Contreras won a eight-round unanimous decision over Josec Ruiz in a lightweight contest.

Contreras, 135.4 lbs of Bakersfield, CA won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 and is now 12-1-1. Ruiz, 135.4 lbs of Honduras is 21-7-3.

Luis Alberto Lopez stopped Yeison Vargas in round two of a scheduled eight-round featherweight bout.

In round two, Lopez Lopez dropped Vargas with a left hook to the body for the 10-count at 1:24

Antonio Mireles shook off a first round knockdown to come back and stop Kaleel Carter in round two of their four-round heavyweight bout.

In round Charles dropped Mireles with a hard combination. In round two, Mireles landed a vicious combination that spun Carter around and the bout was stopped at 1:52.

Mireles, 266 lbs of Des Moines, IA is now 5-0 with five knockouts. Carter, 237 lbs of Bellflower, CA is 2-2.

Robson Conceicao won a 10-round unanimous decision in a junior lightweight bout over previously undefeated Xavier Martinez at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Conceicao landed 125 of 549 punches; Martinez was 107 of 585.

Conceicao, 129.6 lbs of Baiha, BRA won by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92 and is now 17-1. Martinez, 120.4 lbs of Sacramento, CA is also now 17-1.

“I learned a lot from that Oscar Valdez loss, and that’s why I was able to dedicate myself,” Conceição said. “I wasn’t discouraged by what happened that evening. I know who I am, and I knew if I put in the work, I could have this type of performance. But my mind is set on Valdez, and I definitely want that shot.

“To be honest, I think Xavier Martinez punches harder than Oscar Valdez. I felt his punches, but I know this is the type of fight I needed to prepare myself because I’m a world champion level fighter. And I definitely want Oscar Valdez.”

Martinez said, “I thought it was closer. I know I didn’t do enough to win. I sat back too much. I didn’t listen to the game plan fully. It is what it is. I’m not going to be a sore loser. He did his thing tonight. It wasn’t my night. I’m not done. This is just the beginning.”

Cabrera Decisions Giron

Giovanni Cabrera won an eight-round unanimous decision over Rene Tellez Giron in a junior welterweight bout.

Cabrera landed 145 of 595 punches; Giron was 122 of 324.

Cabrera, 138.6 lbs of Chicago, IL won by scores of 78-74 twice and 77-75 and is now 19-0. Giron, 137 lbs of Mexico is 16-2.

Johnson Decisions Madrid

2021 U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson won a four-round unanimous decision over Xavier Madrid in a battle of undefeated welterweights.

Johnson landed 83 of 263 punches; Madrid was 45 of 235.

Johnson, 145 lbs of Cleveland, OH won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is 2-0. Madrid, 145.6 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 3-1.

Stephan Shaw stopped Joey Dawejko in the 8th and final round of their heavyweight bout.

Shaw dominated the action and landed hard shots throughout on the durable Dawejko. Finally in round 10, Shaw landed a big flurry and the corner of Dawejko stopped the fight at 1:04

Shaw, 234.8 lbs of Saint Louis, MO is 16-0 with 12 knockouts. Dawejko, 258.6 lbs of Philadelphia is 21-10-4.

Carla Torres won a eight-round majority decision over Pink Tyson in a junior lightweight bout.

Torres, 129.6 lbs of Cleveland, OH won by scores of 80-72, 77-5 and 76-76 and now is 7-6. Tyson, 130 lbs of Brighton, ENG is 11-3.

Bruce Carrington scored a 2nd round stoppage over Steven Brown in round two of their four-round featherweight fight.

In round two, Carrington hurt Brown with a right hand. Carrington followed up with three vicious left hands that sent Brown to the canvas, and the fight was stopped at 43 seconds.

Carrington, 125.8 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 2-0 with two knockouts. Brown, 125.6 lbs of Leon, MX is 1-1.

Jeremiah Milton remained undefeated with a 1st round annihilation of Dell Long in a four-round heavyweight bout.

Milton dropped Long in the opening seconds with a left hook to the head. Moments later, a left-right dropped Long and the fight was stopped at 1:37.

Milton, 237 lbs of Tulsa, OK is 4-0 with four knockouts. Long, 287.8 lbs of Virginia is 7-10-2.

Nico Ali Walsh stopped Jeremiah Yeager in round two of their scheduled four round middleweight bout.

Ali Walsh dropped Yeager with a right hand that was followed by a perfect left hook. Yeager was hurt badly and after Walsh did “The Ali Shuffle”, he landed another hard left that rocked Yeager and the fight was stopped at 2:39. Yeager, 159 lbs of Erie, PA is 1-2-1.

Ali Walsh, 162.4 lbs of Las Vegas is 4-0 with three knockouts.

Ali Walsh said, “I think the main thing was staying calm, which I did. Another thing was head movement and defense, which I felt like I did improve on. I fought last month, so if I can make those small improvements in this such a short amount of time, who’s telling what I can do in my next fight?

“I didn’t plan {the Ali Shuffle}. It was emotional, of course. So much has been going on, but yeah, I didn’t plan on doing that. It’s just something that happened.”

Haven Brady Jr. was impressive in shutting out Diuhl Olguin over six-rounds in their featherweight bout.

Brady, 127.8 lbs of Albany, GA won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 5-0. Olguin, 127.4 lbs of Guadalajara, MX is 15-21-5.

Dante Benjamin Jr. made a successful pro debut with a 1st round stoppage over Emmy Rendon in a light heavyweight bout

In round one, Bemjamin dropped Rendon with a left to the soler plexus. Moments later, it was a left hook from Benjamin that sent Rendon down again and the fight was stopped at 2:05.

Benjamin, 172.6 lbs of Cleveland, OH is 1-0 with one knockout. Rendon, 175,8 lbs of Odessa, TX is 2-1.

    •  Robson Conceição 129.6 lbs vs. Xavier Martinez 129.4 lbs 
(WBC Super Featherweight Title Eliminator — 10 Rounds)

   •   Giovanni Cabrera 138.6 lbs vs. Rene Tellez Giron 137 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 8 Rounds)

   •    Tiger Johnson 145 lbs vs. Xavier Madrid 145.6 lbs
 (Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

* The original co-feature —Giron vs. Luis Melendez — was called off after Giron missed the contract weight of 132 by five pounds. Giovanni Cabrera, who was fighting on the undercard, stepped in to fight Giron. 

(ESPN+, 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT)

   •   Stephan Shaw 234.8 lbs vs. Joey Dawejko 258.6 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 8 Rounds)

   •    Pink Tyson 130 lbs vs. Carla Torres 129.6 lbs
 (Junior Lightweight — 8 Rounds)
  •    Bruce Carrington 125.8 lbs vs. Steven Brown 125.6 lbs
 (Featherweight— 4 Rounds)

  •    Jeremiah Milton 237 lbs vs. Dell Long 287.8 lbs
 (Heavyweight— 4 Rounds)

•    Nico Ali Walsh 162.4 lbs vs.  Jeremiah Yeager 159 lbs
 (Middleweight— 4 Rounds)

  •    Haven Brady Jr. 127.8 lbs vs.  Diuhl Olguin 127.4 lbs
 (Featherweight— 6 Rounds)

  •    Dante Benjamin Jr. 172.6 lbs vs. Herman Rendon 175.8 lbs
 (Light Heavyweight— 4 Rounds)

TULSA, OK. (Jan. 27, 2022)— The 130-pound title picture will crystallize Saturday evening at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, as the unbeaten Xavier Martinez (17-0, 11 KOs) battles recent world title challenger Robson Conceição (16-1, 8 KOs) in a 10-round WBC title eliminator.

Conceição is coming off last September’s valiant challenge of WBC world champion Oscar Valdez in Tucson, Arizona. Valdez rallied late to edge the unanimous decision. Martinez grinded out decisions over veterans Claudio Marrero and Juan Carlos Burgos in his last two outings, ample preparation for his Top Rank debut.

In the 10-round junior lightweight co-feature, Mexican knockout artist Rene Tellez Giron will battle rising Puerto Rican star Luis Melendez. Conceição-Martinez and Melendez-Giron will be televised live on ESPN & ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The undercard — streaming live on ESPN+ starting at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT — includes Tulsa-born heavyweight Jeremiah Milton (3-0, 3 KOs) and middleweight Nico Ali Walsh (3-0, 2 KOs) in four-rounders. 

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

Robson Conceição

“What happened against Valdez was just a small setback. What I learned from that fight is that it was a great fight, but the fans know I won the fight. They know I’m the man.”
 
“I’m very motivated. After the fight with Valdez, I walked out of the ring very happy with my performance. I went straight to the gym. I had a very good training camp, and now I’m facing a very tough opponent. That makes me even happier. I hope he is ready for a great fight. I’m ready! I always overcome all obstacles. Martinez is a very tough fighter. We will be battling for our lives inside the ring. I trained very hard to come out with a big victory.”
 
“For me, every fight is a world title fight. I’ve been away from my family and sacrificing for over a year. I’m very close to my goal, and I will not rest until I accomplish my goal.” 

Xavier Martinez

“Now I’m really motivated. I just had my little girl. I have to fight for my little girl. She is my motivation. Makes me even hungrier, and that makes me train even harder.”
 
“Those last two fights were very tough and got me ready for this moment right here. I’ve been putting the work in, and I can’t let this opportunity slip by me.” 
 
“I’m not overlooking Conceição. He is a great opponent. He is the main objective right now, but after this, I want a title shot. If it’s not right after, I want to keep active and maybe fight for a title next year.”

SATURDAY, January 29, 2022

ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Robson Conceição vs. Xavier Martinez, 10 rounds, WBC super featherweight title eliminator  

Luis Melendez vs. Rene Tellez Giron, 10 rounds, junior lightweight

ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT

Stephan Shaw vs. Joey Dawejko, 8 rounds, heavyweight

Tiger Johnson vs. Xavier Madrid, 4 rounds, welterweight

Pink Tyson vs. Carla Torres, 8 rounds, junior lightweight

Giovanni Cabrera vs. Rafael Reyes, 8 rounds, lightweight

TULSA, OK (Jan. 21, 2022) — U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson, Brooklyn-born phenom Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington and Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of “The Greatest,” are among the rising stars who will fight Saturday, Jan. 29 atHard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.The bill is topped by the 10-round WBC 130-pound title eliminator between Robson Conceição and Xavier Martinez, and a 10-round junior lightweight co-feature featuring Mexican grinder Rene Tellez Giron and Puerto Rican contender Luis Melendez.

Conceição-Martinez and Giron-Melendez will be televised live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The following undercard bouts will stream live on ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT:

• Johnson (1-0, 1 KO), a 23-year-old from Cleveland, Ohio, will take on fellow unbeaten Xavier Madrid (3-0, 1 KO) in a four-round welterweight tilt. Johnson advanced to the quarterfinals at the Tokyo Olympics and turned pro last November with a fourth-round stoppage over Antonius Grable.
   
• Middleweight Ali Walsh (3-0, 2 KOs), who grabbed international headlines last year, looks to continue his unbeaten run in a four-rounder against Jeremiah Yeager (1-1-1, 1 KO).
   
• Carrington (1-0), the latest young talent from the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, makes his Top Rank debut against fellow unbeaten Steven Brown (1-0, 1 KO) in a four-round featherweight bout.
   
• Light heavyweight prospect Dante “Free Smoke” Benjamin Jr., a one-time U.S. amateur standout from Cleveland, Ohio, makes his professional debut in a four-rounder against Herman Rendon (2-0). Benjamin signed a long-term promotional contract with Top Rank last year.
   
• Featherweight prospect Haven Brady Jr. (4-0, 3 KOs) will see action in a six-rounder against an opponent to be named.
   
• Tulsa-born heavyweight Jeremiah Milton (3-0, 3 KOs) hopes to thrill the hometown fans when he takes on the well-traveled Jason Bergman (27-20-2, 18 KOs) in a six-rounder. Milton and Bergman fought on the same Top Rank-promoted card in Tulsa last April, with Milton notching a first-round knockout and Bergman losing an eventful three-round shootout against Trey Lippe Morrison.
   
• Junior lightweight Pink Tyson (11-2, 2 KOs) looks to make it three consecutive wins when she fights the durable Carla Torres (6-6) in an eight-rounder. 
   

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Tony Holden Productions, tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now and can be purchased at tickets.hardrockcasinotulsa.com and at the Box Office at 918-384-ROCK (7625).

About ESPN+
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Fans sign up to ESPN+ for just $6.99 a month (or $69.99 per year)
at ESPN.com, ESPNplus.com or on the ESPN App (mobile and connected devices). It is also available as part of The Disney Bundle that gives subscribers access to Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu for $13.99/month (Hulu w/ads) or $19.99/month (Hulu w/o ads).

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 14, 2022) — Undefeated lightweight contender Giovanni “El Cabron” Cabrera, a southpaw boxer-puncher from Chicago, has signed a multi-year promotional contract with Top Rank. Cabrera, who is managed by Steve Feder and trained by the legendary Freddie Roach, will make his Top Rank debut Saturday, Jan. 29, on the Robson Conceição-Xavier Martinez undercard at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.
 
Cabrera (18-0, 7 KOs) will face Mexico’s Alejandro Frias (13-5-2, 6 KOs) in an eight-round bout that will stream live on ESPN+, ending a layoff of more than two years due to managerial and promotional issues.
 
“Giovanni is a legitimate lightweight contender who just needs an opportunity to showcase his talents,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “He has sparred the top fighters, and with Freddie Roach in his corner, I am confident Giovanni will rise to the occasion.”
 
Cabrera said, “I’m excited to be signed with Top Rank, the promoter of so many great champions. I always wanted to sign with Top Rank because of that history. I have great trust in Bob Arum and the entire Top Rank team, and I will prove that I am a world championship contender. I have Freddie Roach in my corner and the skills to reach the top. It’s now or never.”
 
Cabrera had a storied and unique amateur career, winning the Chicago Golden Gloves in 2013 before moving to Mexico, where his father was born. In 2015, he earned a bronze medal at the Mexican National Championships and nearly qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Cabrera returned to the United States to begin his professional career, notching 18 wins from April 2016 to October 2019.
 
He has not fought since a split decision victory over Joshuah Hernandez, but he has spent the layoff sharpening his skills against the world’s elite. Cabrera has sparred Manny Pacquiao, Gary Russell Jr., Jose Zepeda and Ray Beltran, earning his stripes in the gym while awaiting his ring return. 

TULSA, OK (Jan. 5, 2022) — Mexican action star Rene “El Bravo” Tellez Giron will meet Puerto Rican upstart Luis Melendez in a 10-round junior lightweight showdown Saturday, Jan. 29 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. 
 
Giron-Melendez will serve as the co-feature to the 10-round WBC junior lightweight title eliminator between former title challenger Robson Conceição and undefeated contender Xavier Martinez. Both bouts will air live on ESPN & ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. 
 
The ESPN+-streamed undercard will include the return of undefeated middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh (3-0, 2 KOs), grandson of Muhammad Ali, in a four-round bout. Ali Walsh made his professional debut last August with a first-round stoppage at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. Tulsa-born heavyweight prospect Jeremiah Milton (3-0, 3 KOs) will see action on the undercard in a six-rounder. 
 
Giron (16-1, 10 KOs), a 22-year-old rising star from Queretaro, Mexico, emerged from relative obscurity with his December 2019 knockout victory over then-unbeaten 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas. He has won two fights since the Balderas triumph, including a seventh-round knockout over Eduardo Garza last September on the Oscar Valdez-Conceição undercard in Tucson, Arizona. Melendez (17-1, 13 KOs), winner of 15 straight fights since a controversial split decision loss, had a busy 2021. He picked up seven victories in three months in Colombia, then returned to the States with a flourish. Melendez won an eight-round decision over Thomas Mattice at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas last November, a career-best victory that earned him the co-feature slot against Giron.
 
“I told my manager, Frank Espinoza, that I am ready to fight any junior lightweight out there,” Giron said. “Melendez answered the call, and we’re going to give the Tulsa fans a great fight. Whenever you have a Mexican versus a Puerto Rican, it can’t help but be toe-to-toe.”
 
Melendez said, “I jumped at this opportunity without hesitation. I’m thankful for this platform, and I will put the 130-pound division on notice. Giron is the man in my way. I am the next Puerto Rican star, and I will prove it in Tulsa.”
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Tony Holden Productions, tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now and can be purchased at tickets.hardrockcasinotulsa.com and at the Box Office at 918-384-ROCK (7625).

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 3, 2022) — Dante “Free Smoke” Benjamin Jr., the Cleveland-born light heavyweight star who won seven national titles as an amateur, has signed a multi-year promotional contract with Top Rank. The 19-year-old will make his professional debut in a four-round bout Saturday, Jan. 29 on the Robson Conceição-Xavier Martinez undercard in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Benjamin is the latest young talent from Cleveland to sign with Top Rank, joining 17-year-old lightweight Abdullah Mason (1-0, 1 KO) and welterweight U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (1-0, 1 KO).

“Dante Benjamin Jr. has the makeup and the amateur pedigree to be a tremendous professional,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Cleveland has produced some of our nation’s top emerging fighters, and I look forward to Dante, Tiger and Abdullah bringing big-time boxing to their city for years come.”

“I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity. Being a professional boxer at the highest level is something I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid,” Benjamin said. “I’m living out one of my dreams, and I am driven to win a world title. I’m proud to represent my city. I’m hungry to be great, and that’s why I bust my butt in the gym every day.”

Benjamin starred for USA Boxing, notching more than 100 amateur victories and winning gold at the 2016 and 2017 Junior Open Championships, 2018 Youth National Championships, and the 2019 Emil Jechev Memorial Tournament in Botevgrad, Bulgaria. He first walked into an East Cleveland boxing gym at the age of 7, where he met noted trainer Renard Safo. More than a decade later, Safo is still Benjamin’s head trainer.

Benjamin embarks on his professional journey with a heavy heart. His father, Dante Benjamin Sr., battled kidney disease for a decade before passing away last March at 49. It was Benjamin Sr. who brought his son to Safo’s gym and encouraged him to continue after early struggles in sparring. Benjamin won his first Silver Gloves title roughly one year after picking up the gloves.

Benjamin said, “My father taught me how to work. He got me into boxing, and when times got hard, he still took me to the gym every day. Before he passed away, we talked about me turning pro. If he was still here, I know he’d be proud of me.”

TULSA, OK (Dec. 21, 2021) — The 2022 junior lightweight world title picture will get a bit clearer Saturday, Jan. 29 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
 
The 10-round main event — a WBC title eliminator — will see recent title challenger Robson “O Brabo” Conceição attempt to turn back hard-charging Sacramento native Xavier Martinez at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. 
 
Martinez recently signed a multi-fight pact with Top Rank and will look to shine in his promotional debut. Conceição-Martinez and a co-feature will air live on ESPN & ESPN Deportes (simulcast on ESPN+) at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Undercard bouts will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Tony Holden Productions, tickets starting at $49.50 are on sale now and can be purchased at tickets.hardrockcasinotulsa.com and at the Box Office at 918-384-ROCK (7625).
 
“This has all the makings of a special, action-packed main event,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Conceição nearly defeated the great Oscar Valdez for the title, while Martinez is a young kid hoping to make a name in the 130-pound division.”
 
Conceição (16-1, 8 KOs), from Bahia, Brazil, captured a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, capping a 400-plus fight amateur career that included wins over the likes of Cuba’s Lazaro Alvarez and a razor-thin defeat to Vasiliy Lomachenko at the 2011 World Championships. After nearly five years as an unbeaten pro, Conceição challenged WBC world champion Valdez in September. Conceição built an early lead, but Valdez rallied late to shade the unanimous decision. 
 
Conceição said, “Nothing can stop me. Nothing can make me lose focus. I remain firm towards my goal of becoming a world champion. My last fight was just a minor setback. I’m going to make sure that all my hard work and sacrifices will not be in vain.
 
“I’m excited for the opportunity to be the main event and to face an undefeated fighter like Xavier Martinez. I’m sure we will give the fans a great show.”
 
Martinez (17-0, 11 KOs) began boxing at the age of 6 in Sacramento and compiled an 85-10 amateur record before turning pro in June 2015. He stepped up in 2019 with knockout wins over Jessie Cris Rosales and John Vincent Moralde and survived a gut check versus former interim world champion Claudio Marrero the following year. Martinez was knocked down twice in the eighth round, but outboxed Marrero in the championship rounds to earn a unanimous decision. He last fought in May and dominated veteran Juan Carlos Burgos over 10 rounds.
 
Martinez said, “It was a dream to get a multi-year promotional deal with Top Rank and a shot to be the main event on ESPN. This is my chance to show the world I’m one of the best in the 130-pound division and work towards my goal of becoming a world champion under the Top Rank banner.”
 
“Xavier is positioned to write his destiny, and the stage is set,” said Rick Mirigian, Martinez’s manager. “He can bring back the sport to Sacramento in a big way and fulfill his dream of becoming a world champion. Thank you to Top Rank for getting this done and believing in Xavier.”

Brandon Figueroa stopped Luis Nery in round seven to add the WBC Super Bantamweight title to add to his WBA belt at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

It was a rugged fight with the fight being mostly contested on the inside. Nery got the better of most of the first part of the fight. The tide began to turn at the end of round six with Figueroa landing power shots on the inside. In round seven he continued the accuracy until he landed perfect left to the solar plexus that sent Nery down for the count at 2:!8.

Figueroa, 121.2 lbs of Weslaco, TX is now 22-0-1 with 17 knockouts. Nery, 122 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 31-1.

Brandon Figueroa

“It feels amazing, this is a dream come true. I know everyone doubted me, but here I am with the belt. It’s all thanks to hard work and dedication.

“You saw tonight what I can do. I brought it to him and the hard work paid off. We did our homework. We did a great job in the gym and just took it to him.

“The plan was to break him. Joel Diaz told me to pressure him and that he wouldn’t last. That’s exactly what happened.

“I knew he was getting tired, he was trying to box me. I saw him breathing heavy. My team just said it was time to go get him.

“We’ve been waiting for this fight against and it’s finally gonna happen. I knew I had to get through Luis Nery first. Everything has it’s time. I envisioned that I was going to beat Nery and now I see myself beating Fulton. I know he’s coming with everything he’s got and that we’re gonna give the fans a hell of a show.”

Stephen Fulton

“Hell of a performance by Brandon tonight. That’s what I predicted would happen. This is my time now though. I’ve been waiting for this moment to finally fight Brandon.

“I knew that Brandon would fight how he always fights. I’m just ready for my time against him. We’re going to put on a hell of a performance. Congratulations to him tonight, but I’m coming next.”

Roman decisions Espinoza

Former unified world champion Danny Roman won a 10-round unanimous decision over Ricardo Espinoza in a super bantamweight fight

It was a spirited battle that was fought at close quarters throughout. In round eight, Espinoza began bleeding from his face.

Roman landed of 220 of 756 punches; Espinoza was 190 of 724.

Roman, 122 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 98-92 twice and 97-93 and is now 29-3-1. Espinoza, 121.6 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 25-4.

Danny Roman:

“This win is a step closer to getting back on top and getting a world title once again. I knew he was a tough fighter who hit hard, so I had to fight smart and make adjustments.

“I started to get my distance and started fighting my fight and controlling the ring. Once I did that, everything started to fall into place. I was surprised he went the distance, but he has a lot of heart. He’s a tough fighter.

“I’m the mandatory, so I want a title shot now. I want the winner of the main event.

“I won the mandatory for the WBC belt in September against Payano. I am the mandatory to fight the champion. I had a great fight tonight and I believe deserve the chance.

“I still got it, I am still up there. I am just waiting to get back on top.

On Murodjon Akhmadaliev: “I still want the rematch. I still have unfinished business in MJ. I don’t know what he’s got scheduled but I will take that fight.

“He was bleeding, he was hurt. But he came to fight. He came to die in the ring. He has a lot of guts. But it was my night.” 

“He was open for those uppercuts. I adjusted to his fighting style, he was more aggressive than I thought he would be. But then when I adjusted, those uppercuts were there for me all night.”

“The guy hits hard. He is a strong fighter. But you know what? I was more resistant and I took his shots. He wasn’t able to take my shots.”

Ricardo Espinoza:

“I felt good overall. I could have pressured him a bit more, close his angles, but it was a good fight.

“Now I want to rest and look forward to my next fight. You win some, you lose some, and tonight I lost.

“Danny is a tough fighter who withstood a lot of shots to the head, a quality opponent.”

Martinez Decisions Burgos

Xavier Martinez remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over three-time world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos in a junior lightweight bout.

Martinez landed 329 of 891 punches; Burgos was 261 of 830.

Martinez, 131.6 lbs of Sacramento, CA won by scores of 99-91 on all cards and is now 17-0. Burgos, 131.8 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 34-5-2.

Xavier Martinez:

“I wasn’t surprised he came forward. He’s a tough competitor. I thank him for taking the fight, he was tough as hell. These kind of fights are going to help me get better.

“It was a fun fight. I know the fans enjoyed the fight. I thought I could have done better, but I was landing clean, hard shots throughout. Even when he was throwing, I was slipping a lot of them and catching him. I showed I can hang in there with tough fighters.

“I could have boxed him more but I wanted to give the fans action. There’s nothing to complain about – I got the victory. I made it tougher on myself but I will learn from it. It’s back to the drawing board but it’s a great victory.

“I fought two very experienced fighters back to back. I like these fights and I won’t complain. Whatever my team has in store for me, I will take it.

“It wasn’t that close. I could give him a round or two. There was a round or two where I stepped back too much. Even when he was throwing, I was catching and slipping.

“I do have a rivalry with Chris Colbert. That’s not a secret, everyone knows that. If we can make that happen, that would be cool. That would be a really fun fight for both of us. He’s a boxer, I come forward. We will cause a lot of fireworks with that one.”

Juan Carlos Burgos:

“I am happy and excited to put on a good show. All in all, I am just glad that the fans enjoyed the fight.

“He was a great opponent. Many people don’t know that I was brought in on late notice. Just two weeks in advance. That’s not an excuse but just the reality. Martinez fought a hell of a fight. He is definitely one of the best opponents I have ever faced.

On the scorecards: “I was shocked. I was surprised. I did not think I only won one round. The public opinion and the fact that the fans were booing is what I take with me today. The fans spoke louder than the cards. I am glad to have given them an exciting fight.”

Follow all the action as Luis Nery battles Brandon Figueroa for the WBA/WBC Super Bantamweight titles; The action starts at 10 PM ET with Xavier Martinez taking on Juan Carlos Burgos; The co-feature will pit former unified champion Danny Roman taking Francisco Espinoza

NO BROWSER REFRESH NEEDED; THE PAGE WILL UPDATE AUTOMATICALLY

Round 1: Jab from Nery..Big left…

Round 2 Right to body from Figueroa..Good body work from Nery…Nery throwing power shots….Counter..2 Left from Figueroa…Left hook…Left hook

Round 3 eft and right from Figueroa…Left uppercut..Left and right from Nery…2 lefts from Figueroa..

Round 4 Nice left from Figueroa…Left from Nery..Right from Figueroa…Left hook and left hook from Nery…Right from Figueroa..

Round 5 Body shot from Figueroa..2 lefts from Nery ..2 body shots…left to head..left from Figueroa.

Round 6 Exchanging body shots…Left to body from Nery..Good uppercut..3 left uppercuts…1-2 from Figueroa…

Round 7 Figueroa landing good shots to the head..  Swelling around left eye of Nery...LEFT TO THE BODY AND DOWN GOES NERY….HE CANT BEAT THE COUNT …FIGHT OVER

Round 1 Espinoza coming forward…Nice counter right from Roman…Double jab from Espinoza…counter right from Roman..Left…
Round 2 Right from Espinoza…Counter right from Roman…Right…3 punch combination from Espinoza…Beautiful right from Roman…Combination from Distance..
Round 3 Right from Espinoza…Good exchange….Lead right and uppercut on inside from Espinoza..Right…Body shot from Roman..Counter left
Round 4 Right to body from Espinoza….Lead left hook…Counter right from Roman…Good left to the body..Solid right…
Round 5 Lead left hook/right hand from Roman…Combination
Round 6 Left uppercut from Roman…Left from Espinoza…Counter from Roman…Jab..Right to body…Short left uppercut to body from Espinoza…Left from Roman…
Round 7 Good left from Roman…1-2 from Espinoza…Lead left uppercut from Roman…Body work from Espinoza..Right to body…Left to body from Roman…left uppercut…
Round 8 Left to body by Roman…Big left…Lead left uppercut…Blood on face of Espinoza…1-2 from Roman..Left to body…
Round 9 Doctor looking at Espinoza…left uppercut from Roman…Another left uppercut
Round 10 Double left from Roman…Uppercut…Lead left uppercut…

97-93 AND 98-92 TWICE FOR DANNY ROMAN

Round 1: Counter right from Martinez…2 jabs..Good right hand..Jab to the body..3 punch combination from Burgos..Body shot..1-2…
Round 2 Fierce exchange on the ropes…Martinez counters..Sweeping left hook..Right from Burgos…Jab from Martinez..Martinez gets better of exchange
Round 3  Good ehange…Left and right from Martinez….Right from Burgos
Round 4 Burgos scores with a combination…Right off the ropes…2 left hooks from Martinez…Great exchange
Round 5 Left upperut…Jab from Burgos..Martinez lands a jab….Jab..Combination from Burgos…Good combination on inside from Martinez..2 ,ore shots…uppercut from Burgos..Shoeshine and uppercut
Round 6 Body shot from Burgos..Nice eft-right from Martinez..Body shot from Burgos..Uppercut..Right from Martinez
Round 7 Martinez fighting off the ropes..Right..Body work from Burgos..Right uppercut from Martinez..
Round 8 Short shots from Martinez…Right…Burgos fighting off the ropes…Lead right from Martinez…Right..Double jab-right..Combination from Burgos..Uppercut from Martinez…
Round 9 Left from Martinez…
Round 10 Combination from Burgos…Right from Martinez..Toe to toe action…Left hook to body from Burgos…

99-91 ON ALL CARDS FOR MARTINEZ

CARSON, CALIF. (May 13, 2021) – Undefeated super bantamweight champions Luis “Pantera” Nery and Brandon “Heartbreaker” Figueroa faced off Thursday at the final press conference before their world title clash live on SHOWTIME this Saturday, May 15 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The press conference also featured former unified super bantamweight champion Danny Roman and hard-hitting Ricardo Espinoza, who meet in the 10-round co-main event, plus undefeated super featherweight contender Xavier Martinez and former world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos, who duel in a 10-round showdown that kicks off the telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Martinez vs. Burgos is promoted in association with Mayweather Promotions.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

Nery vs. Figueroa will see the powerful two-division champion Nery pursue a signature win at super bantamweight, while the rising Figueroa looks to use his all-action style to earn a career-best victory and announce his presence amongst the sport’s elite. The winner of this fight will face WBO 122-pound champion Stephen Fulton, Jr. on September 11 on SHOWTIME in a unification showdown.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

LUIS NERY

“In the ring, I’m going for the finish. Everything is on the line. I just have to prove what I’m capable of inside the ring. I don’t care about anything else but that.

“I think people got carried away about my performance from my last fight. You’re going to see that my power translates on Saturday. Brandon is going to be the first person to see how my power really translates to super bantamweight.

“We’ve all been waiting to fight with fans in the stands. The fans are part of the thrill of boxing and how boxing is supposed to be. I can’t wait.

“I’m ready to fight anybody that will improve my legacy. I want to keep winning and moving up divisions and putting together a resume that matches up with all of the legendary Mexican fighters.

“Brandon’s style really fits with what I want to do in the ring. I know that I can achieve everything that I want in this division and show all of my skills in this fight. This style will go better with mine than Aaron Alameda’s did in my last fight.

“We just need to put on a great fight Saturday. This is going to be an all-out war from the first round on. People are going to be talking about it for a long time after.

“I’m only focused on Brandon Figueroa. After that fight, I’ll be ready for Stephen Fulton, Jr. Once I beat him too, he can tell me how my power feels at this weight.”

BRANDON FIGUEROA

“I had what was probably one of the best training camps of my career. I’m more than ready for this fight. I feel like all of my advantages are going to be used Saturday night and I just can’t wait. It’s going to be an exciting fight. If I’m this excited now, I can’t imagine what it’s like with the fans there. I’m willing to put it all on the line Saturday night.

“Nery is going to learn a lot about me on Saturday night. My size will definitely help me. I feel like he hasn’t fought a guy this big, this strong and he’s going to find out on Saturday night. I’ve trained tremendously for this fight. I have the best conditioning in the 122-pound division. My volume output speaks for itself and I feel like a lot of people underestimate me. After Saturday night, they won’t. Once the bell rings, it’s go-time and I come to fight. I come one hundred percent and I’m coming to take that belt home.

“This game is all about proving yourself in and out of the ring. I feel like my hard work speaks for itself. My fights speak for themselves. I’m just glad I get to share the ring with Luis Nery. I know he comes to win as well, but I don’t think he wants it as bad as I do. If it goes my way, Stephen Fulton is next and that’s a fight that I’ve been wanting for a long time. It’s time to unify. If that’s not what you come to boxing for, then what are you in boxing for?

“Fulton is the fight I’ve been wanting. I know he’s been talking a lot. First of all, I need to get through Luis Nery. I just can’t wait for these big fights and these big names. I’ve been trying to fight Fulton for a while and now it’s going to be made if everything goes well Saturday night. He’d be next and I can’t wait to put on a show again.

“I know Luis Nery comes to fight. He’s a strong fighter at the 118-pound division but the 122-pound division is a different story. I feel like we’re just going to have to find out Saturday night, though. I come forward. I bring the pressure and I’m definitely going to bring the power, the size and all the advantages I have to make sure that we give the fans a great show. I do respect him as a fighter but we’re just going to have to find out Saturday.

“I feel like this is a fight that could be Fight of the Year. I know everything is on the line and I’m going to go out there and make sure I give it my all. If I do that, it’s going to be a great fight.”

DANNY ROMAN

“I’m a former unified champion and I’m still overlooked. I’m still the guy who you have to beat at super bantamweight.

“I’m going against a great opponent. He has a high knockout rate, so I have to fight a smart fight. Props to him for taking the fight, but I’m not overlooking him. Everyone is a threat when they get in that ring.

“I know that the champions are trying to avoid me and skip over me for other fights. But I deserve respect and I’m going to show why they’re avoiding me on Saturday.

“Espinoza is a great fighter who has great power. I’m taking this fight like I’m facing another champion. Anything can happen inside of the ring. All I can control is my performance against Espinoza on Saturday.

“I’m trying to make a statement on Saturday night. I’m going to show everyone that I’m still at the championship level.”

RICARDO ESPINOZA

“Danny Roman has fought some really quality opponents that are high in the rankings, but this is my time. This is when I show that I can step up in competition and prove that I belong with the best.

“The reason why I think I’m going to win this fight, more than anything, is because I believe in myself. I have a great team behind me and if I have faith in myself, all good things are going to happen from now on.

“I admire a lot of fighters but I don’t want to compare myself to any of them. I am Ricardo Espinoza and I’m one of a kind.

“Danny Roman is definitely a great opponent and I feel like my preparation and training can showcase why I can be considered one of the best in the division. Saturday night will be a great showcase for me.”

XAVIER MARTINEZ

“You’re going to see me stay composed throughout this whole fight. I was winning my last fight decisively and I got too overconfident. I fell asleep against an experienced fighter and he took advantage, but I was still able to get the win. I learned from that and I’m going to take it into this fight.

“I’m not too worried about a late opponent change. I had a sparring partner who was very similar to Burgos, so it worked out well. This is another big fight for me. Fighting someone with his experience will make me step up my game.

“I think fighting in front of the fans is going to help all of us. The fans give us a lot of drive. It’s going to make this an even more exciting night.

“This is boxing, and in order to find out what you’re made of in this sport, you have to go through adversity. Getting knocked down two times can defeat a fighter mentality. I learned a lot from that fight and it’s helped me become a more mature fighter.

“I’m going to keep my foot on the gas. I’m going to stay on my toes. All it takes is one punch to change the fight. I just have to stick to the game plan.”

JUAN CARLOS BURGOS

“The fight will be on short notice, but it won’t affect me at all because I have been training since January. I was going to fight in Tijuana on February 27, that didn’t happen. I was going to fight in early May, that didn’t happen. So even though the fight is on short notice, I am plenty ready to go on Saturday night.

“Xavier Martinez is a good fighter. He is undefeated for a reason and I’m sure that we’re both going to give the fans a show. It’s going to be a great fight but I am coming plenty prepared and ready to give the fans the show they deserve.

“There is a reputation that I have come up short in the big fights. But against ‘Rocky’ Martinez for example, I felt like I won the title and the judges just robbed it from me. I am more than ready to redeem myself and show what I am capable of on Saturday night.

“This is definitely a big fight for me and I’m going to have a great opponent in front of me in Xavier Martinez. I have a lot to give still and I want to show that Juan Carlos Burgos is here to stay still.”

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ABOUT NERY VS. FIGUEROA
Nery vs. Figueroa will see two elite undefeated 122-pound champions meet as Luis Nery defends his WBC Super Bantamweight World Championship against Brandon Figueroa in a 12-round showdown live on SHOWTIME Saturday, May 15 from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.

In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature, former unified super bantamweight world champion Danny Roman faces Ricardo Espinoza in a 10-round battle at 122 pounds, while undefeated rising star Xavier Martinez meets former world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos in a super featherweight fight scheduled for 10 rounds to open the telecast.

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

CARSON, CALIF. (May 4, 2021) – Undefeated super bantamweight champions will meet for 122-pound supremacy when Luis Nery makes the first defense of his WBC world title against Brandon “Heartbreaker” Figueroa in the headline attraction of a three-fight card live on SHOWTIME Saturday, May 15 in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will see former unified super bantamweight champion Danny Roman take on hard-hitting Ricardo Espinoza Franco in the 10-round co-main event, plus in the telecast opener undefeated super featherweight contender Xavier Martinez squares off against former world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator.

Nery vs. Figueroa will see the powerful two-division champion Nery pursue a signature win at super bantamweight, while the rising Figueroa looks to use his all-action style to earn a career-best victory and announce his presence amongst the sport’s elite. The winner of this fight will be in line to face WBO 122-pound champion Stephen Fulton later this year in a unification showdown.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions. Martinez vs. Burgos is promoted in association with Mayweather Promotions.

“The super bantamweight division is one of boxing’s most intriguing, and this showdown between Nery and Figueroa will be a huge step towards declaring the king of the weight class,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “These two undefeated 122-pound champions will leave it all in the ring in front of the passionate Southern California fight fans on May 15. With two Mexican-warriors going toe-to-toe, this is a main event that you won’t want to miss a second of.”

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park will be open to fans in a limited capacity, with all guests remaining socially distanced and subject to local and state health guidelines throughout the event.

The Tijuana, Mexico native Nery (31-0, 24 KOs) became a two-division world champion in September as he won a wide unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Aaron Alameda to capture his WBC crown. The 26-year-old had held an 11-fight knockout streak entering that 122-pound title fight, establishing himself as a premier knockout artist at bantamweight during a run that included stoppages of former champions McJoe Arroyo and Juan Carlos Payano. Nery first became champion in 2017, when he went to Japan and stopped Shinsuke Yamanaka in his home country to capture the WBC bantamweight world title.

“This is one of the biggest fights of my career,” said Nery. “I am going to win this fight in spectacular fashion. I’m training hard every day to make sure I get the win on May 15. This is my time to make history for Mexico.”

The 24-year-old Figueroa (21-0-1, 16 KOs) returns to the ring after his most recent outing saw him stop Damien Vazquez in round 10 of their September 2020 clash. Figueroa applied his all-action style scoring knockouts over veteran contenders Moises Flores and Oscar Escandon to move his way up the 122-pound rankings. He captured the WBA’s interim super bantamweight title by stopping Yonfrez Parejo in April 2019, before eventually being elevated to “regular” champion. Figueroa has trained for this career-defining bout in Southern California, alongside his brother and former world champion Omar Figueroa.

“Training camp out here in California with Joel Diaz has been amazing,” said Figueroa. “I’m in tremendous shape and I’ll be ready to go on May 15. This is really one of the best training camps of my career. I know Nery is a tough fighter, maybe my toughest test to date. I’m 24 now, so it’s time for me to start fighting these world class fighters and prove to myself that I belong in there with the best fighters. I know Stephen Fulton is lined up for the winner of this fight, but I’m preparing 110% for Nery. I know he’s not just any fighter, so I’m doing everything I can to come away with the win on May 15.”

Ranked in the top five by all four sanctioning bodies at super bantamweight, Roman (27-3-1, 10 KOs) will look to continue on his path back toward another world title when he steps in the ring on May 15. The 30-year-old from Los Angeles most recently won an exciting 12-round unanimous decision over former champion Juan Carlos Payano last September. Roman first became world champion in 2017, when he stopped Shun Kubo for the WBA title. Roman would go on to unify titles by beating TJ Doheny for his IBF strap in 2019, before losing a narrow split decision to Murodjon Akhmadaliev in January 2020.

“I’m delighted to be fighting once again and can’t wait to step into the ring May 15 on SHOWTIME,” said Roman. “Ricardo Espinoza is a very tough fighter with a lot of heart. I know this fight is going to be another war and I’m fully prepared to go to battle. I’ve stayed in shape since my last fight, so fans can expect to see me throw a lot of punches. I’m going to make this fight a classic Mexican showdown.”

The 23-year-old Espinoza (25-3, 21 KOs) has fought professionally since 2015 and has won 15 of his last 16 fights heading into May 15. Fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico, Espinoza dropped a bantamweight interim title fight to current world champion John Riel Casimero in 2019 via a 12th round knockout in a fight that was virtually tied on the cards. Espinoza bounced back with two straight victories, including his most recent triumph, a unanimous decision win over previously unbeaten Brandon Valdes last August.

“I’m training as hard as I ever have for this opportunity on May 15,” said Espinoza. “I feel strong and prepared for anything Roman is going to throw at me. I know that he’s an accomplished fighter, but I have all of the tools to be victorious and win an exciting fight that the fans are going to love.”

A Mayweather Promotions prospect from Sacramento, Calif., Martínez (15-0, 11 KOs) has trained for this fight in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 23-year-old earned a career-best victory in his last outing, defeating veteran contender Claudio Marrero by unanimous decision in October on SHOWTIME. Previously, Martínez added three stoppage victories to his record in 2019 to run up a seven-fight knockout streak heading into the Marrero fight.

“I’ve felt great in camp and have already been preparing hard for this opponent,” said Martinez. “My last fight was an incredible experience. The biggest thing it taught me is just because you’re winning, don’t fall asleep at the wheel. That’s the same mentality I’m taking into this fight. I proved in my last fight that I can box and can hang with the best in the sport. This is a side many haven’t seen because I’ve been decapitating my previous opponents. The world is going to see how much versatility I carry in my skill set. May 15 is another day in the office, and it’s time to work!”

The Tijuana, Mexico native Burgos (34-4-2, 21 KOs) has faced an impressive resume of top fighters throughout his extensive career, dropping world title bouts to Mikey Garcia and Hozumi Hasegawa, in addition to a draw in a 130-pound title tilt against Roman Martinez. The 33-year-old ended up on the short end of decisions in challenges of unbeaten champion Devin Haney in 2018 and undefeated Hector Tanajara in January 2020. Most recently, he won a unanimous decision over Juan Ramon Bernal in March 2020.

“This is another opportunity for me to show that I have a lot left to give in the ring,” says Burgos. “Martínez doesn’t have a strong chin, as everyone saw when he got dropped twice by Claudio Marrero in his last fight. I’ve been training hard and waiting for an opportunity like this. Fans can expect an explosive performance on May 15.”

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

Sergey Lipinets and Custio Clayton battled to a 12-round majority draw in an IBF Interim Welterweight World title bout at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.

The fight was a close battle that saw Lipinets try to press the action, while Clayton countered effectively by showing a strong jab and counter attack. Clayton showed his mettle in the later rounds and he threw and landed more punches.

Lipinets landed 175 of 610 punches; Clayton was 247 of 687.

In the end, Clayton won a card 115-113, while two cards were even at 114-114.

Lipinets, 147 lbs of Kazakhstan is 16-1-1. Clayton, 147 lbs of Dartmouth, CAN is 18-0-1.

Sergey Lipinets

“I thought I won the fight, but Clayton is a good fighter. He was stronger than I thought he’d be. I haven’t fought in a year and it shows. I need to get my rhythm back in a couple of fights before I face the top level fighters.

“For the interim title, I’ll be ready for a rematch with Clayton.

“The guy didn’t do anything and he was running. I threw more punches and I connected on more punches.”

Custio Clayton

“I thought I did enough to win the fight. It was a close fight, but I landed the cleaner shots.

“At the end of the day, you can’t knock the judges’ decision, but I thought that I landed the cleaner shots and won. He came forward a lot, but he wasn’t landing as much. I probably could have pushed more a little earlier, but at the same time, I knew he was strong. I thought I stayed patient and poised. I could have put combinations together quicker, but overall I thought I fought a smart fight and pulled it off.

“I showed the world that I’m not just a guy from Canada. I proved I’m a good fighter. People will have to respect me a little bit more. If Lipinets wants the rematch for the interim title, we should be able to make that happen.”

Martinez survives Two Knockdowns; Decisions Marrero

Xavier Martinez was able to withstand two knockdowns, and win a 12-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Claudio Marrero in a super featherweight bout.

Martinez controlled the 1st seven-plus rounds.

In round eight, Marrero dropped Martinez with a short right hook. Seconds later, it was a hard flurry of about six punches that put Martinez down for a 2nd time. A mouse started to form under the right eye of Marrero. In round 10, Marrero began to swell around his right eye.

Martinez landed 128 of 579 punches; Marrero was 161 of 625

Martinez was able to bank enough rounds down the stretch, and win by scores of 115-111 and 114-112 twice.

Martinez, 130 lbs of Sacramento, CA is 16-0. Marrero, 130.75 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is 24-5.

Xavier Martínez 

“To be honest, it was weird when I got knocked down. I just said, ‘Let’s get back up.’ Losing wasn’t on my mind. I just thought I have to get up. I’m not happy I went down but it’s all an experience. A lot of guys wouldn’t have fought Claudio. He was tough. But I rose to the occasion and I proved something to myself.

“Not every win is going to be pretty and a knockout, but if you can pull yourself out of tough situations it proves what type of fighter you are.

“I knew it wasn’t going to be a cake walk. I told [trainer] Ray [Woods] I might hit this guy a couple of times and he might not drop. It’s all part of the experience.”

Claudio Marrero

“I feel like it was a bad decision. I don’t think the judges took into account all the hard work I did in the ring. I wouldn’t do anything different if I fought him again. I would fight the same way. I fought smart and I put pressure on him.

“He hits hard, but I recovered quickly. I felt like I won the fight.”

Matias Stops Hawkins in 7!!

Subriel Matias stopped previously undefeated Malik Hawkins in round seven of their scheduled 10-round junior welterweight bout.

Matias applied immense pressure throughout the fight that had Hawkins going back.

In round six, Matias landed a left hook to the head that sent Hawkins to a knee. The right eye of Hawkins started to swell and the fight was stopped one-second into round seven.

Matias, 139.5 lbs of Fajardo, PR is 16-1 with all 16 coming via stoppage. Hawkins, 140 lbs of Baltimore, MD is 18-1.

Subriel Matías

“The biggest difference between this fight and my last loss was the way I trained in the gym. I didn’t train as much as I should have (for the last fight). Malik didn’t have the power to hurt me. In the first round, I knew that. And that’s when I kept moving forward and starting hurting him in the body. And that’s what I kept doing, just going to the body.

“I’ll fight anyone. Whoever they put in front of me. I want a title eliminator, and then I want to fight for a world title.”

Malik Hawkins

“He was doing a bunch of dirty things in the fight. I’m not going to sit here and cry over spilled milk. He was the better man tonight. I’m back in the gym.”

NEW YORK – October 5, 2020 – Former world champion Sergey Lipinets will take on unbeaten Kudratillo Abdukakhorov for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title headlining action live on SHOWTIME Saturday, October 24 in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION telecast will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will see undefeated contender Xavier Martínez battle hard-hitting Claudio “The Matrix” Marrero in a 12-round WBA Super Featherweight Title Eliminator in the co-main event. Rising super lightweight Malik “Iceman” Hawkins will duel knockout artist Subriel Matías in a 10-round showdown to kick off the televised action.

Lipinets vs. Abdukakhorov was originally scheduled to take place October 10, but was rescheduled because of a delay in Abdukakhorov receiving his visa. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, Top Rank, Inc. and Mayweather Promotions.

“Sergey Lipinets announced himself last year as a serious contender in the welterweight division and can move closer to the top of the stacked weight class against the tough unbeaten Kudratillo Abdukakhorov on October 24,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “In undercard attractions, unbeaten Xavier Martínez can earn a career-best victory over the always dangerous Claudio Marrero, while talented super lightweight Malik Hawkins and the powerful Subriel Matías will clash with a chance for the winner to propel themselves up the 140-pound rankings. These are three evenly matched bouts that will show us a lot about all of the fighters, while treating fans to great action.”

“Given what Kudratillo has gone through to get this opportunity, the fight seems easier,” said Carl Moretti, Top Rank VP of Boxing Operations. “But everyone knows it won’t be.”

The 31-year-old Lipinets (16-1, 12 KOs) will look to remain unbeaten since moving up to welterweight in 2018 and position himself for further title opportunities in the welterweight division. Born in Kazakhstan and representing Russia, Lipinets now lives in Woodland Hills, California and is trained by renowned coach Joe Goossen. Lipinets has put together three straight victories since losing his 140-pound title to four-division champion Mikey Garcia in March 2018. Lipinets scored two victories in 2019, including a stoppage of two-division champion Lamont Peterson in one of the year’s most exciting fights.

Born in Uzbekistan and fighting out of Kuala, Lumpur, Malaysia, Abdukakhorov (17-0, 9 KOs) is the top-rated welterweight contender in the IBF rankings. The 27-year-old made his U.S. debut last March, defeating former title challenger Keita Obara by unanimous decision. Abdukakhorov followed that up with a wide technical decision triumph over former champion Luis Collazo last October.

A Mayweather Promotions prospect from Sacramento, Calif., Martínez (15-0, 11 KOs) has trained for this fight in Las Vegas, Nev. alongside three-time champion Gervonta Davis. The 22-year-old added three knockout victories to his record last year, and has stopped his last seven opponents heading into October 24. Martínez most recently knocked out Jessie Cris Rosales last November, and will step up in competition to face Marrero, as he seeks to move closer to a title shot.

The former interim featherweight champion Marrero (24-4, 17 KOs) will move up to the 130-pound division after a long run at 126-pounds that saw him face a slew of contenders and rising prospects. Representing Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Marrero captured his interim title in April 2017 with a first round knockout over then unbeaten Carlo Zambrano. The 31-year-old also owns a first-round stoppage of then unbeaten Jorge Lara in April 2018 and a decision victory over featherweight contender Eduardo Ramirez last June.

Another rising prospect in the Mayweather Promotions stable, Hawkins (18-0, 11 KOs), fights out of Baltimore, Maryland and is trained by Gervonta Davis’ coach Calvin Ford. The 24-year-old most recently triumphed over then unbeaten Darwin Price in December by fifth-round TKO. Hawkins was busy in 2019, picking up five victories in total following a 2018 campaign that saw him earn his first 10-round decision win by beating Raymond Serrano.

The 28-year-old Matías (15-1, 15 KOs) returns to action looking to bounce back from his first career defeat, a narrow decision loss to Petros Ananyan in February of this year. Prior to that, Matías had stopped all 15 of his opponents dating back to his pro debut in December 2015. October 24 will be his fourth fight in the U.S.

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

Xavier Martinez scored a spectacular 21 second knockout over Jessie Cris Rosales in a scheduled 10-round junior lightweight fight at Sams Town Casino in Las Vegas.

Martinez landed a thudding left that was followed by a right that sent Rosales down and out.

Martinez, 130 3/4 lbs of Sacramento, CA is 15-0 with 11 knockouts. Rosales of Cebu City, PHL is 22-4-1.

“I wanted to steal the show,” said Martinez. “[Rolando Romero] did his thing and I knew I had to capitalize on that. I did it in half the time (45 seconds). Everyone did great tonight. Hitchins and Kevin [Newman] both did their thing and I had to follow.

“I’m going to get back in the gym and continue grinding. I want to be the best. I have the best team in boxing right now. As long as they keep lining them up, I’m going to keep knocking them down.”

2016 Haitian Olympian, Richardson Hitchins won a 10-round unanimous decision over Kevin Johnson in a welterweight fight.

Hitchins, 144 lbs of New York, NY won by scores of 96-94 and 97-93 twice, and is now 10-0. Johnson, 143 1/4 lbs of Las Vegas is 7-2.

Hitchins outlanded Johnson 116-86.

“Johnson was a solid fighter,” said Hitchins. “I haven’t been in the ring since April, but I think I did great. It was the fight that I needed. I wanted the win and I got the unanimous decision. I don’t like to rate my performance without going back and re-watching the fight. I could have closed the gaps a little better. I should have capitalized on certain moments a little better.

“I’m going to run the tape back and work with my coach so we can tighten up and come out the best I can possibly be. I’m excited to see what’s next and what my team has planned for me. They’ve guided me in a great direction and I just got to do what I got to do and that’s getting these guys out one at a time until I get that title shot.”

Johnson, who performed admirably, was gracious in defeat despite disagreeing with the judges’ scorecards.

“He had a good jab,” Johnson said. “It was easy to download him. I put the pressure on him and kept listening to my corner, and moved to the right and kept landing. He’s a tough fighter. I’ll give him that, he definitely came to fight. We both had moments throughout the fight. He did a good job of holding as the ref called, he knew how to hold when he was getting hurt.  I think I was the better fighter. He never hurt me. I give him props as a fighter.

“I really want the rematch, but I doubt that will happen. I know I won. I was the better fighter at the end of the day.”

Kevin Newman II avenged his only loss and won an eight-round unanimous decision over Marcos Hernandez in a super middleweight bout.

Newman, 165 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 80-72 and 79-73 twice, and is 11-1-1. Hernandez, 165 lbs is 14-3-1.

Newman outlanded Hernandez 152-97

The revenge felt so great,” said Las Vegas’ Newman, who dropped a unanimous decision to Hernandez on the undercard of Mayweather vs. McGregor in August 2017. “Overall, I dominated. I went to the body every chance I saw an opportunity. A lot of people have never seen me box like that so it’s great to show that side of me. I was a lot more offensive and I kept the attacks to the body.

“I’d rate my performance a B-, I think I could have been busier. I’m going to continue to developing and staying busy in the ring. I don’t think he expected me to come in like I did. We gave the fans a great performance that was TV worthy and I look forward to doing it again.”

Rolando Romero stopped Juan Carlos Cordones in the opening frame of their scheduled eight-round junior welterweight bout.

Romero landed a flurry of punches that sent Cordones to the canvas in the opening frame. Moments later, Romero sent Cordones down for the 10-count with a right hand at 2:14.

Romero, 138 lbs of Las Vegas is 10-0 with nine knockouts. Cordones, 141 1/2 lbs of La Romana, DR is 14-2.

“There’s not much to say. I promised a knockout and I saw the opportunity so I went for it,” said the exuberant Romero, who has previously stated he is the hardest puncher in the world under 147 pounds. “I made him pay for coming in overweight yesterday. Looking ahead, I just plan on dominating whoever they put in front of me.

“I’m growing as a fighter and all I want to do is continue to put on a great performance for my fans and get to that next step in my career. I want anyone whoever wants next!”

IN NON-TELEVISED ACTION

Ava Knight won an eight-round unanimous decision over Luna del mar Torroba in a flyweight bout.

Knight won by scores of 80-72 and 79-73 twice, and is now 19-2-5. Torroba is 12-10-3.

Malik Warren scored a 2nd round knockout over Shauncy Perry in a scheduled four-round junior lightweight bout.

Warren dropped Perry twice in round one with left’s to the body and head respectively. He finished the fight with another left hand in round two at 59 seconds.

Warren is 2-0 with two knockouts. Perry was making his pro debut.

Dylan Price stopped Elias Joaquino in round six of a scheduled eight-round super flyweight bout.

In round three, Price dropped Joaquino with a body shot. In round four, iy was a left that sent Joaquino to the canvas.

In round six, Price landed a blistering combination on the ropes, and the bout was stopped at 1:48.

Price is now 10-0 with seven knockouts. Joaquino is 12-5-2.

Cris Reyes remained undefeated with a fourth round stoppage over Recky Dulay in a scheduled eight-round lightweight bout

In round three, Reyes dropped Dulay with a right hand to the body. In round four, Reyes landed a left to the body that doubled over Dulay, and referee Tony Weeks stopped the bout at 1:55.

Reyes of Seattle, WA is 9-0 with eight knockouts. Dulay of the Philippines is 11-7.

LAS VEGAS – October 31, 2019 – Four of Mayweather Promotions’ top prospects and their opponents all weighed in on Thursday ahead of Friday night’s ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) from Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas.

Undefeated super featherweight prospect Xavier Martinez (14-0, 10 KOs) returns for his second consecutive test on the developmental series, this time against Filipino Jessie Cris Rosales (22-3-1, 10 KOs) in the 10-round main event, while 2016 Olympian Richardson Hitchins (9-0, 5 KOs) takes on Kevin Johnson (7-4, 4 KOs) in a 10-round welterweight co-featured attraction.

Super middleweight prospect Kevin Newman II (10-1-1, 6 KOs) looks to avenge the only loss of his career against Marcos Hernandez (14-2-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round rematch, and in the telecast opener, rising prospect and knockout artist Rolando Romero (9-0, 8 KOs) faces Juan Carlos Cordones (14-1, 9 KOs) in a six-round super lightweight bout.

Tickets for the Mayweather Promotions’ Sin City Showdown start at $25 and can be purchased at: https://mayweatherpromotions.com/events/.

Barry Tompkins will call the action from ringside with boxing historian 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.

FINAL WEIGHTS, REFEREES AND JUDGES

Super Featherweight 10-Round Bout

Xavier Martinez – 130 ¾ lbs.

Jessie Cris Rosales – 132 ½ lbs.

Referee: Vic Drakulich (Las Vegas); Judges: Tim Cheatham (Las Vegas), Lisa Giampa (Las Vegas), Max De Luca (Calif.)

Welterweight 10-Round Bout

Richardson Hitchins – 144 lbs.

Kevin Johnson – 143 ¼ lbs.

Referee: Jay Nady (Las Vegas); Judges: Adalaide Byrd (Las Vegas), Patricia Morse Jarman (Las Vegas), Dave Moretti (Las Vegas)

Super Middleweight 8-Round Bout

Kevin Newman II – 165 lbs.

Marcos Hernandez – 165 lbs.

Referee: Tony Weeks (Las Vegas); Judges: Kermit Bayless (Las Vegas), Glenn Trowbridge (Las Vegas), Max De Luca (Calif.)

Super Lightweight 6-Round Bout

Rolando Romero – 138 lbs.

Juan Carlos Cordones – 141 ½ lbs.

Referee: Robert Byrd (Las Vegas); Judges: Patricia Morse Jarman (Las Vegas), Dave Moretti (Las Vegas), Ricardo Ocasio (Las Vegas)

FINAL QUOTES:

XAVIER MARTINEZ

“It’s a blessing to be headlining my first show. This is an opportunity I can’t let go. I have to grab this opportunity and make the most of it. I can’t let myself down. I stole the show my first time on ShoBox and now I have to keep it going.

“I like the pace that I’m moving at. In boxing, you have to take it step-by-step. I’m following my team’s plan and I know it won’t be before long that I’m facing top-level opponents.

“My goal is not to play around with my opponent. I would like to get some more rounds in, but I’m not going to force the rounds. If I have an opportunity, I’m going to get him out of there. I think this fighter is a little more aggressive than my last opponent and that will be an advantage for me.

“As long as I listen to my coach and get the win, that’s all that matters. If Rosales comes out strong, the main thing is that I have to use the jab. I have to stay relaxed, stay calm, block shots and look for openings.

“I learned a lot from the Oscar Bravo fight. I was hitting him with everything. Every type of punch. And he just kept coming. I learned right there, that not everybody will just go down. I just kept hitting him, I didn’t get flustered and it eventually paid off. The ref stopped it. I’ve never really been rocked. But I know one day, it will happen. This is boxing. I have a plan for a scenario for the day that it happens. If I get hurt, I can’t panic.

“I’ve grown tremendously as a fighter. I’m mentally stronger. I train better. I watch more film. I’m more disciplined and I’m diligent about honing my craft. I want to get better and I love this sport. It’s my career and I’m treating it that way. I want to be a world champion and I can’t let anything stop me.”

JESSIE CRIS ROSALES

“This is a really special opportunity for me. I know that I need to be aggressive in this fight. I need to put pressure on. I will do my best to hit Xavier as much as possible. I didn’t come all this way to lose.

“I feel that I won my last fight against Tyler McCreary, but I was missing my usual aggressiveness. This time, I can’t leave it to the judges.

“I’ve watched Xavier a lot. He fought a friend of mine, Moralde, in his last fight. We saw the fight, and we know how tough of an opponent he is. I see him as a really good fighter, but I’ve been in tough fights before. I will be ready for him. I am hungry for a win.”

RICHARDSON HITCHINS

“I want to be great. Of course, the money is important and it motivates me. But I want to fight against the top guys that can push me and get me to the top level. I want to move fast but I have to be patient. I trust the process but certain fighters don’t need to be slowed down. Look at Devin Haney and Jaron Ennis. I feel like my skill set is right up there with them.”

“I feel like I’ve only been tested once in my career. People overlook the Tre’Sean Wiggins fight. He’s a good fighter and he’s had some really good results. I was only five fights into my career, and I beat him easily in a unanimous decision. But I don’t feel like I’ve ever been in jeopardy of losing or really faced much adversity in the ring.

“I don’t know much about my opponent. I hear he’s a great sparring fighter in Vegas. He’s a great gym fighter, but who is he fighting? I spar world champions in training.

“Tank Davis and I have a great relationship. We train together and we watch boxing together and study film. He’ll come to the gym sometimes and just watch me and give me advice. I sparred with him when he was preparing for his last fight against Nunez. He’s a world champion so he’s a great person to learn from.

“The process to get to the Olympics was a great experience and it was great for my career. Every fight was a challenge and I fought so many different styles and so many different guys from around the world. Each and every day, fighting some of the top guys in the world was a challenge but it made me a better fighter. It helped my boxing IQ and in the gym I saw things that not a lot of boxers get to see every day. I picked up so many things that I use now. I’m a student of the game. I have so many tricks up my sleeve and I have so much to my game because of that process.

“Fighting Gary Russell in the Olympics was an incredible experience. There was a lot of anticipation and a lot of eyes on that fight. It’s fights like this that will prepare you for the world title fights that I know will come one day.”

KEVIN JOHNSON

“Hitchins is a good fighter. I like his style, he’s a basic come-forward type of fighter. But I feel that there are some holes in his game that I can exploit. I think it’s a good matchup for me.

“I check out my opponents a little bit, but not too much. I don’t want overthink it, I trust my team to put together a solid game plan.

“My last fight against Larry Gomez was a brawl, but I had a lot of fun. When I watched it back, I didn’t think I fought my best fight. I can brawl if I need to, but I would say that I’m a boxer-counterpuncher. I change my styles by the season, that’s why they call me Thunderstorm.

“I feel great. I feel ready. I can’t wait. I love to fight and I love to train. I’m always in the gym. I took a week off after my last fight but I’ve been in the gym ever since then.

“I started boxing at age 17 and had about 55 amateur fights, but I don’t feel like I’ve been playing catchup. I have more experience than my number of fights shows.”

KEVIN NEWMAN II

“I was nowhere near 100 percent in our first fight. I knew it was a huge stage and a huge card, and I didn’t want to pass up that kind of opportunity. I chose to fight through my illness and I fought to just get through the fight, not to win the fight.

“Hernandez fought the fight that he was supposed to fight. He did what he needed to do. I started off well, and my energy level was good. But I started to fade and my energy wasn’t there as the fight went on.

“I need to be smart. Be relaxed. Be me. I need to go in with a dominating mindset and be the aggressor. I’m an offensive fighter and I need to fight that way.

“This fight is personal. They talked a lot of trash after the fight. Every interview after the fight, I gave him credit and said he won the fight. He chose to take it to the level that makes this rematch personal for me. There’s nothing wrong with trash talk. I’m a trash talker myself, but you just have to back it up. This has been bubbling over for a long time. There was a long list of guys I could have fought, but this was the one I wanted.

“There’s a sense of urgency. There’s a plan for me. We want to be fighting for a world championship before the age of 30. Tomorrow is just another fight, but it’s a step for me to keep building and make my way up the ranks to get to that goal.

“I’m a reserved, relaxed, focused guy. I won’t be too emotional for this fight. I will be under control and the bright light won’t affect me. I will listen to my team and implement the game plan that we practiced in camp.

“I’m a competitor. If a guy beats you, you want a shot to beat him back. This fight is going to be totally different than the first fight. I truly believe that, and that’s the way I trained. I want to dominate and leaving this fight, I want there to be no need for a third fight. I want to beat him that convincingly that there will be no reason for a grudge match.”

MARCOS HERNANDEZ

“Newman made excuses after the first fight. Whether it’s true or not, it’s not my business. It doesn’t really matter. If anybody should have an excuse, it was me. I was fighting my first fight with my trainer, Henry Ramirez. I went from 154 pounds to fight him at 164 pounds. I wanted to fight an eight-round fight, it ended up being a six-round fight. So we really didn’t get anything that we wanted for the fight but I took it anyways and I beat him. And then he made excuses.

“I don’t need this fight again; I’ve already shown I’m the better fighter. I’m doing it because there weren’t a whole lot of options out there and I’m confident I can beat him again.

“Size is his only advantage. He’s bigger than me but he doesn’t have anything else. I hope he’s more aggressive this time. We’ll see what he brings in the first round. We’ll find out what kind of fight he wants this to be, but either way, I’m ready.

“Newman is just another opponent to me. I understand him being upset. I’m the only person he’s lost to. I want to rematch the guys I’ve lost to. I haven’t gotten that yet. I’ve fought much better competition than he has. I’m the only real test of his career, and he didn’t pass it.

“There’s nothing personal about this fight for me. I just want to put another win on my record. The main objective is to get another win. That’s all I’m focused on. The more wins I have, the better I look as a fighter and the better the opportunities I will get.

“The ‘Second Coming’ is going to come in second again.”

ROLANDO ROMERO

“I’m a very unorthodox fighter. I’m very unpredictable. I don’t really get hit and I punch everybody. There’s always room for improvement, but if I know a shot is going to land, I’m going to throw it 100 percent.

“I don’t know much about my opponent. He’s not that much taller than me. I don’t really care about his size. I’ve sparred with guys twice as tall as me.

“I haven’t really been tested yet in my career. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve lost a round. I don’t think I’ll be challenged until I fight for a world title.

“Every show I’m on, I steal it. There’s no doubt about that.

“Boxing helped me become more confident. I’m a lot more confident now than I was as a kid, and I think that’s because of boxing.

“I was very successful in the sport of judo and I didn’t start boxing until I was 17. Both sports are very difficult but they’re different. Judo helps me a little bit, I’m definitely stronger in clenches. I’m used to combat sports, and having the experience of taking care of my body and staying on weight helps me.

“I’m not playing catchup with the late start in boxing. I’ve already excelled and exceeded the fighters I was supposed to catch up to. I feel like they’re playing catchup to me.

“I think my last fight was knockout of the year. I have power in both hands. I think the power just comes from genetics, and with training and repetition and technique. At the end of the day, you can’t teach people how to punch hard. You can amplify it but you either are born with it or not.”

JUAN CARLOS CORDONES

“I got this fight on two weeks’ notice. I was already training in Puerto Rico, but I wasn’t training for a specific fight. I feel good. I feel ready. Losing the weight wasn’t an issue. I feel comfortable at this weight and I feel strong.

“I’m a tall guy. I have a long reach. I like to box and move. I don’t know much about Rolando because I have only known about the fight for two weeks but I know he is a good fighter.

“My last fight in Puerto Rico was not an indication of my skill level. I had a tough time with the weight and I felt very dehydrated. I was not myself during that fight.”

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About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 81 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams and more.

For more information: visit www.sho.com/sports, www.mayweatherpromotions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @MayweatherPromo, @mayweathersports, #SinCityShowdown and #ShoBox, or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports and www.Facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions.