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Photos: Sumio Yamada-

Unbeaten WBO lightweight champion “Turbo Terry” Flanagan (32-0, 13 KOs) scored a one-sided eighth round TKO over lackluster challenger Orlando “El Fenomeno” Cruz (25-5-1, 13 KOs).on Saturday night at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales. Flanagan pressed the action, while the much smaller Cruz was pretty much in survival mode from the get-go. Flanagan finally dropped Cruz twice in round eight to end the non-competitive contest. Time was :43.

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www.fightnews.com/Boxing/flanagan-stops-cruz-eight-retain-wbo-lightweight-title-360718/nggallery/page/3

Date:   Saturday, November 26, 2016

WBO LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE BOUT

Location:   Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Promoter:  Queensberry Promotions / Frank Warren

Supervisor:  Istvan Kovacs

Referee:  Steve Gray

Judges:  Marcus McDonnell; Lynne Carter; Leu Mihai

Results: Unbeaten WBO lightweight champion “Turbo Terry” Flanagan (32-0, 13 KOs) scored a one-sided eighth round TKO over Orlando “El Fenomeno” Cruz (25-5-1, 13 KOs).

TV: Panama RPC Channel 4

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Orlando Cruz ya está en Gales y se mantiene trabajando de cara a su combate titular del sábado ante Terry Flanagan. Después de una larga travesía, Orlando “el Fenómeno” Cruz está acomodado en Cardiff, Gales, con miras a su pleito del sábado contra Terry Flanagan por el cetro ligero (135 libras) de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB).

Desde el momento que arribó a la ciudad y debido a las condiciones lluviosas que ha encontrado allí, Cruz ha limitado su área de movimiento al hotel en el cual está hospedado y al gimnasio que visita para entrenar.

“En la mañana (Cruz) hizo una carrera cómoda, desayunó y después fuimos al gimnasio para entrenar y a una entrevista”, detalló Juan de León, uno de los entrenadores del púgil de 35 años, desde Cardiff.

Cruz, además, ayer tuvo que cumplir con un prepesaje mandatorio. No podía marcar por encima de 139 libras.

“Orlando salió de Puerto Rico en 137 libras y tuvimos que mantenerlo bien hidratado durante el viaje. Subió tal vez hasta 140 libras y requiere un poco de tiempo en lo que el cuerpo vuelve a bajar. Llevamos poco más de 24 horas en Gales”, sostuvo De León.

“El trabajo estuvo concentrado más en el rendimiento de las piernas para que pueda moverse ya que su estilo es más de boxear”, agregó.

De León anticipó que en los últimos dos días antes del pesaje oficial requerirán de un esfuerzo adicional.

“Entre el jueves y el viernes se tendrá que sacrificar un poco, pero se está trabajando y Orlando ha podido comer bien. Es cuestión de seguir jugando con esas tres libras”, sostuvo De León.

Incluso, estimó que Cruz podría marcar hasta 143 libras para cuando se dirija al ring para el combate.

“Como esta pelea vino después de la convención de la OMB, se trabajo más con el rendimiento para que pudiera quedar bajo en el peso y después del pesaje pueda subir a un peso que no le conceda mucha ventaja a Flanagan. Queremos que esté en un peso que le permita moverse rápido en los desplazamientos”, afirmó.

Durante los próximos días, el grupo continuará estudiando pasados pleitos de Flanagan.

“Nuestro trabajo es mantenerlo en las estrategias para que no se le vayan a olvidar. La responsabilidad de establecer un plan está en las manos de Jim Pagán, aunque todo puede cambiar dentro del ring. Orlando es una persona inteligente y sabe lo que tiene que hacer”, relató De León.

MARCADA DIFERENCIA
Para Cruz, será la segunda oportunidad de pelear por un cetro mundial. En el 2013, disputó con Orlando Salido la corona de las 126 libras, pero el boricua perdió por nocaut en el séptimo asalto.

“(Cruz) cometió un error en aquel momento y fue que se puso incómodo cuando estaba cerca al peso y quiso trabajar. Se fue en contra de la ciencia y la pagó grande. Se desgastó en los asaltos intermedios, no había energía contrario a esta vez que aunque está fuera de su peso, se siente fuerte y está rápido de manos”, concluyó De León.

www.http://notifight.com/el-fenomeno-afina-detalles-para-flanagan/?printable=true

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By Jake Donovan

Orlando Cruz should consider fighting for a cause more often.

The veteran super featherweight contender turned away a stiff challenge from a determined Alejandro Valdez to score a 7th round knockout in front of a sold-out crowd Friday evening at Kissimmee Civic Center in Kissimmee, Florida.

A competitive battle changed in an instant when Cruz scored two knockdowns to put Valdez away at 1:24 of round seven.

Earlier in the week, Cruz – boxing’s first-ever openly gay active boxer – had declared that he was dedicating the fight to the victims of the horrific mass shooting one month ago at alternative lifestyle Pulse night club in Orlando.

The 2000 Puerto Rican Olympian fought with an inspired purpose in honor of the community he proudly represents, but was met with a version of Valdez who came in with nothing to lose. The longtime fringe contender from Mexico is two fights into a comeback following a four-year layoff, looking better than he has in years as Cruz struggled to enjoy a sustained attack at any point of the first six rounds of action.

Rounds five and six in particular were strong for Valdez, who bravely stalked his heavily favored foe and landing in combinations. Cruz was bewildered at times, but his emotions kept in check by longtime trainer Juan De Leon.

It paid off in the fight-ending sequence in round seven. Cruz was fighting in reverse and trading shots with Valdez when a two-punch combo dramatically – and permanently – shifted the momentum in his favor. Valdez was shook before stumbling to the canvas, struggling to make it to his feet. Cruz immediately went on the attack, throwing until referee Frank Santore was left with no choice but to rescue a battered Valdez.

The win is the fourth straight for Cruz, who improves to 24-4-1 (12KOs). It marked the second time in less than four years where he entered a Telemundo-aired fight in Florida on the heels of a major announcement. In Oct/ ’12, he held an exclusive interview with the network where he confirmed his alternative lifestyle just days before an eventual landslide win over Jorge Pazos.

One year later, he landed his lone career title shot to date. His quest fell miserably short, suffering a knockout loss to Orlando Salido in their Oct. ’13 vacant title bout. The setback was followed by a minor upset in a decision defeat at the hands of Gamalier Rodriguez in April ’14.

That miserable stretch of his career is deep in the rearview as he continues to move towards a crack at a super featherweight title.

In the evening’s chief support, Miguel “No Fear” Cartagena held true to his nickname in a 1st round knockout of Joebert Alvarez. The Philadelphia-based flyweight scored two knockdowns, the latter prompting an immediate stoppage as he bounced back strong from a decision loss to Ricardo Rodriguez on this very network this past February.

www.boxingscene.com/orlando-cruz-fends-off-scrappy-alejandro-valdez-tko-win–106721?print_friendly=1

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Photos: Alex Menendez –

At the one month anniversary, first openly gay world title contender Orlando Cruz visited the Pulse Nightclub Memorial and the victim’s crosses on Tuesday to leave boxing gloves and flowers. Cruz an active leader in the LGBT community was in training camp when the terrorist attack occurred. Due to his commitment with a scheduled televised title fight for July 15th in Kissimmee, Florida he was unable to leave his training camp to attend the vigils and memorials for the victims. Cruz sent out a statement stating that he would dedicate his fight on July 15th in Kissimmee to all affected in the tragedy. Cruz lost 4 friends in the tragedy and looks to pay homage with a win this Friday.

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www.fightnews.com/Boxing/orlando-cruz-visits-pulse-victims-memorial-345892

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Orlando Cruz 129 vs Romulo Koashica 126

By Jake Donovan, photos/weights by Reynaldo ‘El Papi Chulo’ Sanchez –

Orlando Cruz’ ring return comes one week later than originally targeted. The veteran boxer from Puerto Rico will face Mexico’s Romulo Koasicha in a 10-round super featherweight battle headlining the March 4 edition of Boxeo Telemundo, live from A La Carte Pavilion in Tampa, Florida.

The matchup pits former featherweight title challengers in a crossroads bout, with Cruz’ regional super featherweight title at stake.

“We are very proud to present this fight,” promoter Felix ‘Tutico’ Zabala Jr. told BoxingScene.com. “Both boxers still very much want to win a world title. They could have taken a much easier path, but want to prove they still belong in contention for a world title in agreeing to this terrific battle.”

Cruz (22-4-1, 11KOs) was targeted to headline the first installment of the Telemundo spring boxing season. The timing couldn’t be worked out for the February 26 show, which is now topped by Ricardo Rodriguez in a 10-round super flyweight clash versus Miguel Cartagena in Palm Bay, Florida.

Instead, Cruz will now appear in the Tampa region for the first time in his 15-plus year career, having previously developed as a sizeable draw in the Orlando/Kissimmee region.

Cruz has won two straight since suffering back-to-back losses in a brief stretch that was believed to end his days at the top level. His aspirations of becoming the third member from the 2000 Puerto Rico Olympic boxing team to win a major belt (future Hall of Fame former champs Miguel Cotto and Ivan Calderon are the other two) were dashed in an 8th round knockout loss to Orlando Salido in their Oct. ’13 featherweight title fight.

The loss wasn’t quite as crushing as a shocking 10-round defeat at the hands of Gamalier Rodriguez in their April ’14 clash. Cruz decided to sit out for more than a year before returning last June, having since won two straight including a unanimous decision over Gabino Cota in their Telemundo-televised headliner last October in Kissimmee.

Further disheartening in his loss to Rodriguez was the fact that a victory would have led to a second title shot. Instead, Rodriguez went on to face reigning featherweight titlist Vasyl Lomachenko, suffering a one-sided 9th round stoppage on the undercard of the most-watched Pay-Per-View event in boxing history, topped by Floyd Mayweather’s points win over Manny Pacquiao.

Lomachenko’s next victim didn’t fare any better, as Koasicha (25-5, 15KOs) was brought crashing back to Earth following a 10th round stoppage in their HBO-televised title fight last November.

The loss was preceded by a four-fight win streak for the 24-year old from San Luis Postol, Mexico. His most recent victory came on Telemundo, scoring a 7th round stoppage of Guillermo Avila last July.

In facing Cruz next month, Koasicha makes his debut in the super featherweight division. Cruz made the leap up in weight upon his ring return last June after having spent the majority of his career campaigning in the featherweight division.

telemundo (2)  Cruz vs Koasicha

http://www.boxingscene.com/photosweights-orlando-cruz-vs-romulo-koasicha–102011?print_friendly=1

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Orlando “El Fenomeno” Cruz 128 vs. Romulo Koasicha 127
Sammy “Hurricane” Valentin 146 vs. Cosme “Chino” Rivera 147
Omar Albanil 153 vs. Juan Fernando Raya 156
Santiago Arroyo 118 vs. Luis Villegas 116
Christina Swanson 146 vs. Chennose Casseus 149
Mark Reyes 146 vs. Harrison Melendez 149
Jose “The Dream” Medina 265 vs. Richard White 344

Venue: A La Carte Event Pavilion in Tampa, Florida
Promoter: All Star Boxing/Shea Bailey Promotions
TV: Telemundo

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By Jake Donovan –

Ask any fighter in the game what’s in store for the future while they are training for a fight, and the answer most likely given is that they’re focused solely on their next opponent and not anything else.

Orlando Salido didn’t have that luxury heading into his vacant featherweight title fight with Orlando Cruz last October. The veteran cult favorite already knew his destiny; worse, it was literally in front of him, dangling like a carrot on a stick. An hour or so before he would step into the ring with Cruz, Salido couldn’t help but look up and observe his future opponent on screen while in the dressing room.

Vasyl Lomachenko, a two-time Olympic Gold medalist and one of the most successful amateur boxers in the history of the game, appeared on the same Vegas card as Salido, with both fighting in separate supporting bouts to Tim Bradley’s pay-per-view headlining win over Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas. In his pro debut, Lomachenko starched veteran Jose Ramirez in four rounds, with talks immediately turning to his next fight – a title shot in just his second pro fight.

“I knew why we were both on the card,” Salido recalls of the night. “I saw him in his fight with Ramirez and knew he’d be my next opponent.”

Salido did his part, destroying Cruz in seven rounds to reclaim the featherweight belt he lost earlier in the year to Mikey Garcia. In both fights – which comprised of his entire 2013 campaign – Salido was forced to play the role of afterthought in the pre-fight build-up.

The discussion heading into last January’s showdown with Garcia weren’t focused on making his third title defense, but that he was being served up to a rising young star. Even entering as the prohibitive favorite in his showdown with Cruz last October, the main pre-fight story line was how a win by Cruz would make him the first openly gay boxer to win a major title.

That never came close to happening, as Salido remained focused on becoming a three-time featherweight titlist. The 33-year old Mexican warrior has long ago grown used to taking the back seat, and expected it to be the case the moment his fight with Lomachenko was made official.

“It’s just that much more motivation to me,” Salido (40-12-2-1NC, 28KO) insists. “I go into most big fights as the underdog and have to prove the so-called experts wrong. Whether it was Garcia, (Yuriorkis) Gamboa, JuanMa (Juan Manuel Lopez, whom Salido knocked out twice, both times in Puerto Rico), Cruz and now this guy (Lomachenko), I get talked about as the other fighter. That’s fine, I’m used to it and only work that much harder.”

As evidenced by his not-so-glossy ring record, he doesn’t always manage to win ‘em all. Now 18 years into the fight game – having turn pro at aged 15 – Salido truly came up the hard way before finally rising towards the top of the featherweight mountain late in his career. His loss to Gamboa in their featherweight unification bout in Sept. ’10 was his 11th career loss, but hardly the end of his career.

Salido has since won six of his last seven heading into his title defense versus Lomachenko, which takes place March 1 in San Antonio, airing live on HBO. Not only has Salido seen his opponent steal the majority of the headlines, but the fight also has to share news space with the show’s accompanying bout, a rematch between Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Brian Vera.

At the very least, he heads into the fight with momentum. That same luxury was lacking prior to his bout with Cruz, as he was forced to sit for nine months on his worst loss in years.

“Mikey Garcia is a heck of a fighter, and I hope to one day get a rematch with him before he moves up in weight again,” Salido says of last conqueror, who has since won a title at 130 lb. “Going into that fight, I just felt like something was wrong that night. It happens to all fighters. I picked the wrong night and fighter to not be at my best, but I had to rebound and move on from it.”

Salido did just that, calming concerns that he was at the end of his career. Cruz was unproven at the championship level, but was the younger fighter and also at the hottest point of his career. Whether or not the extra attention that came with his “outing” himself a year prior impacted him any outside of the ring, he was in way over his head once the opening bell rang. Cruz never stopped trying, but his problem that night was that Salido never stopped charging forward.

Nine months after picking the wrong night to be at less than his best, Salido finally landed in the right place at the right time. Garcia was forced to vacate the belt last June, showing up over the 126 lb. limit for his intended title defense versus Juan Manuel Lopez, whom Salido knocked out to win the belt in 2012. Garcia would blast out the Boricua southpaw in four rounds, but not before conceding his title at the scales.

Five months later, the title was returned to its prior owner, though immediately followed by the suggestion that his role was to simply keep the belt warm for boxing’s next young featherweight star. Even with just one pro fight to his name, big plans are already in store for Lomachenko.

Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum, never one to pass on an opportunity to oversell any occasion, was talking about the path the Ukrainian wunderkind could travel even before his first pro fight. A win in October would lead to the title shot he receives in March. A win there could lead to a showdown with current undefeated 122 lb. king Guillermo Rigondeaux, with Arum’s vision that it would mark the first time in boxing history pairing two fighters who each won two Olympic Gold medals.

As for Salido’s future? For now, all roads lead to and end with March 1. Where he goes from there entirely depends on his performance.

“None of that bothers me,” Salido says of the one-fight-at-at-time approach taken with his career. “I’m boxing for the long haul and still have a lot to offer the sport. That’s all that matters to me. They can plan whatever they want for this kid. It won’t mean anything when I beat him on March 1.”

Though always confident of victory no matter whom the opponent, it’s not to say that a win is always automatically assumed.

“When (Lomachenko) fought Ramirez, that was the first time I ever really paid attention to him. I don’t really follow amateur boxing, but knew his name. I paid attention when he fought before me, knowing that he would be my next opponent. He has a great amateur pedigree. I’d be foolish to underestimate him just because he hasn’t been in the pros that long.

“This will be a very tough fight. I’m training for a very tough fight, which is why I’m confident I will win. A lot has been said about Lomachenko, and he says he’s ready for this fight. Now he’ll have to go in there and try to prove it.”

http://www.boxingscene.com/orlando-salido-finds-added-motivation-underdog-role–74647

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By Luis Sandoval –

Orlando “Siri” Salido was back in vintage form Saturday night as he outworked and dominated Orlando Cruz to recapture the WBO Featherweight championship belt. It’s the same title he lost in January to Mikey Garcia as Salido’s performance against Cruz was night and day compared to how he fared with Garcia.

Now that Salido is once again a champion, he has some great opportunities waiting for him. BoxingScene caught up with Salido and asked who he’d like to face next.

“I want to face the best fighters. Whoever is there. There’s [Nonito] Donaire, there’s the Olympian [Vasyl] Lomachenko. There are various names” Salido would tell BoxingScene.

Two time Olympic gold medalist Lomachenko made his professional debut on the same card as Salido and there are already plans to match both men up for their next fight. Lomachenko is definitely on a fast track as facing a 54 fight veteran champion like Salido is a drastic step up for him in his 2nd professional fight even if he does have one of the most impressive amateur careers.

“I thought [Lomachenko] looked good. He moved but he was fighting a much smaller fighter. We have to see how it looks when he faces a true Featherweight like [myself]” said Salido. “He has a very good amateur career. Olympics, world championships and they say he deserves [a fight with me]. So if he deserves it, we’re here ready for him”.

Another fight that is still on Salido’s mind is a rematch with Mikey Garcia who soundly defeated him in their contest. Salido feels he wasn’t in the right state of mind for that fight and if he got a chance to rectify that loss, he’d take it in a heartbeat.

“The last fight I had some problems and I wasn’t fully focused on what I had to do in the ring. I went in there just to get hit and tonight was different. This time we had a positive mentality to win and to do my job and to look good. I still have that torn in my side and if I get a chance to fight [Garcia] again, then bring it on” said the WBO Featherweight champion.

It was also recently reported by BoxingScene that Gary Russell Jr has been designated as the mandatory challenger for Salido’s title so he immediately gets put in the mix as well. Per the WBO, Russell must be given a title shot within the next 180 days.

Looks like Salido and his team have their work cut out for them as they decide who they will face next.

http://www.boxingscene.com/salido-lets-see-lomachenko-face-true-featherweight–70664

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By Ryan Burton –

BoxingScene.com recently spoke to former featherweight champion Orlando “Siri” Salido.  The Sonora, Mexico native is just days away from facing Orlando Cruz for the vacant WBO featherweight title.  Salido said that he had a great camp and is looking forward to returning to the ring.

“We had a great training camp.  I had to really work on my legs in camp.  I am not getting any younger and I have been through some difficult fights so I wanted to make sure I was ready.  My legs are ready to go and I feel great,” Salido explained.

Salido last fought in January when he lost a technical decision to Mikey Garcia. Salido was knocked down four times but was having his best round when the fight was stopped when Garcia’s nose was broken by an accidental headbutt.  After the fight Salido said that he planned on testing the waters at 130 pounds but said that this opportunity was too good to pass up.

“I wanted to move up to 130 but when this opportunity to fight for another title at 126 came up it was just to good to pass up.  If everything goes well we will move up after this fight,” Salido said.

The 32-year-old Salido feels like he has unfinished business with Garcia and would like to face him again in the future.  Garcia will make his debut in the super featherweight division when he faces Rocky Martinez for his WBO title on November 9th.

“I definitely want a rematch.  It has been on my mind.  Things like that (headbutts) happen in fights.  They are accidents.  I would definitely like to face him again at 130 pounds,” Salido told BoxingScene.com.

http://www.boxingscene.com/orlando-salido-wants-rematch-with-mikey-garcia-130–70424

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Las Vegas,NV  —  Orlando Cruz of Puerto Rico, Orlando Salido of Mexico, Two-time Ukrainian Olympic gold medalist Vasyl Lomachenko, and Jose Luis Ramirez of Mexico to part in open workouts as they prepare for their upcoming fights. Salido-Cruz and Lomachenko-Ramirez takes place on the undercard of the Timothy Bradley-Juan Manuel Marquez card, Saturday, Oct 12 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas,Nevada. Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Zanfer Promotions, Wynn Las Vegas, Márquez Boxing, and Tecate, Bradley vs. Márquez  will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®. Photos by Mary Ann Owen/Top Rank.

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http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=70363

orlando cruz (1)

New York, NY, USA —  No. 1 Featherweight contender Orlando Cruz of Puerto Rico works out during media day ahead of his bout against WBO featherweight champion Orlando Salido.  The two will meet on the undercard of the Timothy Bradley vs. Juan Manuel Marquez bout on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas for the vacant WBO featherweight title.  Cruz is boxing’s first openly gay fighter.

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Orlando Cruz vs. Salido

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It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®,
Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Zanfer Promotions, All Star Boxing, Wynn Las Vegas, Márquez Boxing, and Tecate, remaining tickets to the Bradley vs. Márquez welterweight championship event, priced at $800, $600, $400, $300, $200, $100 and $50, can be purchased at the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office, online at UNLVtickets.com, at UNLVtickets Outlet Town Square Las Vegas Concierge, or by calling 702-739-FANS (3267).

http://www.boxingscene.com/photos-orlando-cruz-training-during-media-day–69933

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Photo by Chris Farina/Top Rank –

By Karl Freitag –

At Wednesday’s Nevada State Athletic Commission meeting, it was decided that the officials for the WBO welterweight championship bout between Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas will be referee Robert Byrd, judges will be Robert Hoyle, Patricia Morse-Jarman and Glenn Feldman. With Marquez making $6 million and Bradley 4.1 million, the fee schedule lists $5000 for the referee and $3500 for the judges,

The officials for the WBO featherweight championship bout between Orlando Salido and Orlando Cruz will be referee Kenny Bayless, judges are Jerry Roth, Glenn Trowbridge, Ed Kubler.

Following the CJ Ross controversy in the Mayweather-Alvarez fight, extra attention was paid to the selection of officials as NSAC executive director Keith Kizer explained the process and the commission carefully deliberated on Kizer’s recommendations. That portion of the meeting lasted 28 minutes.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/bradley-marquez-officials-named-227244

The Nevada State Athletic Commission has named the officials for the Timothy Bradley-Juan Manuel Marquez WBO welterweight title fight on October 12 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

The officials for the October 12 WBO welterweight title fight between Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez have been named.

According to Karl Freitag of FightNews.com, Robert Byrd was designated by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) to be the referee. The judges will be Robert Hoyle, Patricia Morse-Jarman and Glenn Feldman.

The Bradley-Marquez bout is the next major Nevada card since Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr. bested Mexico’s Saul “Canelo” Alvarez by majority decision on September 14. Judge C.J. Ross drew controversy for scoring the bout 114 for both fighters when it was clear Mayweather should have been ahead in the scorecards.

Ross was also a judge of the June 2012 fight between Bradley and Manny Pacquiao, who lost by split decision. It was a fight “most thought Pacquiao had easily won,” per ESPN’s Dan Rafael.

Rafael adds NSAC chairman Bill Brady “promised a more thorough discussion” of the officials, who were recommended committee executive director Keith Kizer. Kizer was interrogated by an NSAC panel on why he chose the individuals in his list.

Bradley and Marquez are responsible for Pacquiao’s two most recent losses. Bradley, as previously mentioned, squeaked by Pacquiao 15 months ago while Marquez stunned the boxing world by knocking out Pacquiao in the sixth round of their December 8, 2012 bout.

Marquez will attempt to earn the WBO welterweight title belt at the age of 40. Bradley is all praises for his opponent, who he considers to be a late bloomer. However, he said Marquez and his camp “will never stop my will to win.”

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum is predicting the number of pay-per-view broadcasts for the bout to hover around the 500,000 range, according to Anthny Riccobono of the Internaional Business Times. 

Bradley is seeking to maintain an unbleimished 30-0 record. He also has 12 knockouts and will make $4.1 million for the fight.

Marquez, on the other hand, is 55-6-1 with 40 stoppages and will earn a $6 million paycheck.
Read more at http://www.sportballa.com/2013/09/111632/officials-named-timothy-bradley-juan-manuel-marquez-fight-october-12#AYKRPHCVLFMbypvo.99

The Nevada State Athletic Commission has named the officials for the Timothy Bradley-Juan Manuel Marquez WBO welterweight title fight on October 12 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

The officials for the October 12 WBO welterweight title fight between Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez have been named.

According to Karl Freitag of FightNews.com, Robert Byrd was designated by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) to be the referee. The judges will be Robert Hoyle, Patricia Morse-Jarman and Glenn Feldman.

The Bradley-Marquez bout is the next major Nevada card since Floyd “Money” Mayweather, Jr. bested Mexico’s Saul “Canelo” Alvarez by majority decision on September 14. Judge C.J. Ross drew controversy for scoring the bout 114 for both fighters when it was clear Mayweather should have been ahead in the scorecards.

Ross was also a judge of the June 2012 fight between Bradley and Manny Pacquiao, who lost by split decision. It was a fight “most thought Pacquiao had easily won,” per ESPN’s Dan Rafael.

Rafael adds NSAC chairman Bill Brady “promised a more thorough discussion” of the officials, who were recommended committee executive director Keith Kizer. Kizer was interrogated by an NSAC panel on why he chose the individuals in his list.

Bradley and Marquez are responsible for Pacquiao’s two most recent losses. Bradley, as previously mentioned, squeaked by Pacquiao 15 months ago while Marquez stunned the boxing world by knocking out Pacquiao in the sixth round of their December 8, 2012 bout.

Marquez will attempt to earn the WBO welterweight title belt at the age of 40. Bradley is all praises for his opponent, who he considers to be a late bloomer. However, he said Marquez and his camp “will never stop my will to win.”

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum is predicting the number of pay-per-view broadcasts for the bout to hover around the 500,000 range, according to Anthny Riccobono of the Internaional Business Times. 

Bradley is seeking to maintain an unbleimished 30-0 record. He also has 12 knockouts and will make $4.1 million for the fight.

Marquez, on the other hand, is 55-6-1 with 40 stoppages and will earn a $6 million paycheck.
Read more at http://www.sportballa.com/2013/09/111632/officials-named-timothy-bradley-juan-manuel-marquez-fight-october-12#AYKRPHCVLFMbypvo.99

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Photo: Ed Keenan –

WBO #1 featherweight Orlando Cruz (20-2-1, 10 KOs) makes his first stop on today’s New York City media day tour La Mega radio station. Boxing’s first openly gay fighter also has a workout scheduled for the Mendez Boxing Gym. Cruz, a member of Puerto Rico’s 2000 Olympic team, is in his final weeks of intense training for his first world title shot against former two-time featherweight champion Orlando “Siri” Salido (39-12-2, 27 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight title on the October 12 Timothy Bradley vs. Juan Manuel Márquez WBO welterweight championship pay-per-view undercard in Las Vegas.

Photos: Ed Mulholland / Top Rank

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http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/orlando-cruz-nyc-media-day-227142

 

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LAS VEGAS, Nevada.-La función que encabezarán el campeón de peso welter (OMB) Timothy Bradley Jr., y el cuatro veces campeón del mundo el mexicano Juan Manuel Márquez, tendrá un respaldo de lujo el próximo sábado 12 de octubre en el Thomas & Mack Center de esta ciudad y será televisado por HBO a través del sistema de pago por evento.

Promueven Top Rank, Promociones Zanfer, Wynn Las Vegas, Márquez Boxing y Cerveza Tecate. Márquez buscará su quinto título mundial en distintas divisiones, el de las 147 libras de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo.

EL RESPALDO

En el respaldo el clasificado número uno Orlando Cruz, se enfrentará al dos veces campeón del mundo Orlando “Siri” Salido, por el cetro pluma de la OMB vacante.

Cruz (20-2-1, 10 KOs), quien representó a Puerto Rico en los Juegos Olímpicos del año 2000, ha ganado tres de sus últimas cuatro peleas por nocaut y no conoce derrota en más de dos años. Es el monarca Latino de la OMB en peso pluma.

Salido (39-12-2, 27 KOs) de Ciudad Obregón, reinó como monarca de la OMB en pluma por casi dos años y también fue monarca pluma de la FIB al vencer a Cristóbal Cruz en el 2008. Salido conquistó el cetro pluma de la OMB en el 2011 al noquear al entonces invicto “Juanma” López en una de las mejores peleas del año. Salido hizo dos defensas exitosas de su corona. Salido ha ganado cinco de sus últimas seis peleas por nocaut, su única derrota la sufrió el pasado enero cuando cayó ante Miguel Angel García y perdió su corona. García perdió el cetro en la báscula en junio pasado y por eso está el trono vacante.

El ganador de dos medallas de oro en Juegos Olímpicos, el ucraniano Vasyl Lomachenko, hará su debut profesional a 10 asaltos contra el clasificado mexicano José Luis Ramírez. Lomachenko conquistó medallas de oro en los JO de Pekín y Londres, primero como pluma y luego como ligero.

Ramírez (24-2-2, 15 KOs) de Mexicali, ha ganado seis de sus últimas siete peleas y viene de derrotar por puntos al Filipino Rey Bautista (34-2, 25 KOs) el pasado abril para ganar la corona pluma Internacional de la OMB y el actualmente el séptimo clasificado de la OMB en pluma.

http://www.oem.com.mx/esto/notas/n3128108.htm

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In a great traditional battle between Puerto Rico and Mexico, No. 1 Contender Orlando Cruz, in his first world title shot, will battle former two-time World Champion Orlando Salido for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Featherweight Championship. The two fighters are on the call today from their training camps. Orlando Cruz is in Buffalo, NY and Orlando Salido in Mexico. In three weeks they will face each other in the ring. Also on the call is All Star Boxing’s Tuto Zabala, Jr., who is Cruz’ promoter and Todd duBoef, President of Top Rank, the promoter of the card.

For Cruz (20-2-1, 10 KOs), of San Juan, Puerto Rico, boxing’s first openly gay fighter and a member of Puerto Rico’s 2000 Olympic team, this will be his first world title shot. Salido (39-12-2, 27 KOs), of Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, México, will be looking to complete a hat trick in regaining the title he previously held for nearly two years They will be fighting for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) featherweight title on the pay-per-view undercard of the Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley, Jr. vs. Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Márquez WBO welterweight championship fight on Saturday, October 12, at the Thomas & Mack Center, on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

TODD duBOEF: We are getting ready and the fighters are gearing up for an incredible show on October 12 in Las Vegas. We talk about the great rivalry between Puerto Rico and Mexico and this is going to be showcased on October 12 and between the two of them, Salido, a seasoned veteran who has been in with everyone in the featherweight division and Cruz, who has earned his title shot and is a profile in courage.

TUTO ZABALA: Thanks to Top Rank and to the WBO for giving us a shot. Orlando is preparing himself in Buffalo, NY with Juan Carlos De Leon and he’s going to have a media workout in Manhattan on Tuesday the 24th. When we signed Orlando Cruz he had lost two fights in a row with his former promoter and he was looking for help. We got him four fights on the Telemundo Network and the championship shot within two years. I am very proud of him and the job we have done for him and also embraced how he came out of the closet like he did last October. It has changed a lot and it is amazing the happiness that we have in our team. Finally he has the world title shot and everything is set for him. I now want to hand it over to the WBO Latino Champion from Puerto Rico, Orlando Cruz.

ORLANDO CRUZ: I am very happy. Thank you HBO for the opportunity and Top Rank and my promoter Tuto Zabala, my manger Juan De Leon. I am excited and I am ready for the fight.

ORLANDO SALIDO: It’s been great preparation and I am grateful for the opportunity that Top Rank has given me to win another world title. I know that Orlando Cruz is a very difficult fighter, he’s a great boxer, and I know that he has a lot of abilities. I have been getting real good sparring here because I know it is going to be a very difficult fight.

A lot of people thought you were done after your fight with Mikey and now you have another opportunity…

ORLANDO SALIDO: I know the fight with Mikey I wasn’t myself. It was a tough night. But that’s in the past and I know what I’m capable of doing. Right now I feel like I did before my fight with Juan Manuel Lopez and I think you’re going to see that same type of fight from me on October 12.

You’ve been waiting a long time for this opportunity – how have you been preparing for it?

ORLANDO CRUZ: It’s been a while. I have been working hard and I never said “no” to any opponent. I worked really hard to get to this point and my team has been really good. Everybody is healthy and I am very happy to get this opportunity. I have a lot of respect for Orlando Salido. I am not going in there thinking that it’s an easy fight. I know how hard he has worked to get to where he is. I know how hard I worked to get where I am. I think we are both really hungry and we both want to do a really great job. I want to take the title back to Puerto Rico for all my fans.

Salido, how is your eye?

ORLANDO SALIDO: I have had injuries in the past but I have not had one injury in the training camp. So all I have to think about is this fight against Orlando Cruz and winning that fight.

How do you feel about Cruz’ style compared to [Mikey] Garcia?

ORLANDO SALIDO: They are totally different fighters. Orlando is a boxer and he tries to move around the ring. My job is to put pressure on him. I will try to cut him off and I will be throwing so many punches I will hit him somewhere. Then I will go to the body to cut him down and eventually I will make him fight my fight.

Does you think your experience will be the difference?

ORLANDO SALIDO: Without a doubt I have been in there with some great champions. I won some and I lost some and I did gain great experience fighting them. I just feel for this fight it will be whoever is better prepared. We are both hungry. We both want it. It’s just a question of who is going to be the best that night and I think I will be.

Jim Lampley, who has a gay brother, called you a hero to him…

ORLANDO CRUZ: I am happy with the situation and I have a lot of support from all around the world. It is great news for me to know about Jim Lampley and his brother. I just want to thank all of the people that have supported me. I have been working hard for this, it is something that I have been waiting a long time for. I want to win this fight for Puerto Rico and for my community. I want to dedicate my fight to the LGBT and all of Puerto Rico because they are going to have a new champion.

Are you ready for a fight with Salido’s experience?

ORLANDO CRUZ: I am ready for the challenge to face Orlando Salido on October 12 even with all of his experience. He faced great champions like Juan Manuel Marquez, Gamboa and Juan Manuel Lopez. I worked very hard for this and am grateful for all of the support that I have, from Tuto, the WBO and Top Rank. Carlos DeLeon, the four-time world champion has been working in the gym with me giving me a lot of experience. People don’t understand how much experience you get while training in the gym. You get experience from working hard and doing what the coach tells me. I have been following what the coach tells me and on October 12 I will become champion for Puerto Rico and for all of my people.

What is the challenge in Salido’s style?

ORLANDO CRUZ: The pressure he will bring. The way he comes that is the way I will fight with Salido. I am not going to run. When I need to fight I am going to fight. When I need to box I am going to box. I am going to be the smartest guy in the ring. I am not taking anything away from Salido but on October 12 we are going to make history.

What do you think about Emille Griffith?

ORLANDO CRUZ: I want to dedicate this fight to Emille Griffith and his family. This fight will be for his community (LGBT) and all the fans of Orlando Cruz.

Mexico vs Puerto Rico rivalry…

ORLANDO CRUZ: The rivalry between Puerto Rico and Mexico, this will be another fight that will bring a lot of excitement in the ring between me and Saldio and I am so happy that it happened because it makes it bigger when I beat a Mexican to bring the belt to Puerto Rico once again.

ORLANDO SALIDO: This is a great rivalry between the two countries and I know when I get in the ring I have to give my best. I always give my best because it’s important to take that victory home. Mexico vs Puerto Rico is always special and a victory over a Puerto Rican is always special for the people of Mexico.

ORLANDO CRUZ: I never refused to fight anybody. Any person Tuto Zabala put in front of me I signed the contract. If they said ‘fight King Kong’ I would fight the person no matter if it was going to be at 126 pounds or above. I don’t care who I fight inside the ring because this is what I love to do – box.

What about Mikey Garcia rematch?

ORLANDO SALDIO: I would love to get a rematch with Mikey Garcia either at 126 or 130. I know I wasn’t myself. I don’t know what happened that night but I wasn’t feeling comfortable in the ring. I would love to fight him again and I feel I would do much better and it would be a much better fight.

Is this going to be the year of Orlando Cruz?

ORLANDO CRUZ: I am sure this is going to be my year. The end of 2013 and going into 2014 will be my time.

How as your life changed since you made the announcement?

ORLANDO CRUZ: My life has changed completely. I am now a different person. I am happy with the support that all of the people have given me and I just want to continue to work hard doing the things that I need to do to make history.

Salido, has Orlando Cruz ever been on your radar for a fight?

ORLANDO SALIDO: It looked to me like he was probably going to be an opponent for me. He has always been there in the top ten. As he was moving up I knew the possibility existed so I was keeping an eye on him.

What have you been thinking about since the loss to Garcia?

ORLANDO SALIDO: After that fight I had a long time to reflect on what happened. I had to take a look at my career to see if this was still what I wanted to do. I still want to do this because I still have a lot left and I think I can still do a lot of things in boxing. But on October 12 I have to show everyone that I am back and what I am capable of doing then go from there. I am not thinking about the future, I just want to show everyone that I am back.

You were supposed to have a fight in June that got canceled – how was that transition to this fight?

ORLANDO CRUZ: All of the work I was doing for June 28 I continued to do. I just changed it up a little because of the type of fighter that Salido is. All I had to do was make some adjustments and I am ready for October 12.

If you win, along with Miguel Cotto and Ivan Calderon, you’d be the only country to boast three world champions from the 2000 Olympic class….

ORLANDO CRUZ: It is going to be great when I become a champion on October 12. It is going to be a great honor for me to be part of the three, to be with Cotto and Calderon, when I become champion to be part of history in Puerto Rico.

Since your announcement, has media demand taken away from your training?

ORLANDO CRUZ: It has not. I have concentrated on the October 12 fight. I understand the press wants to know about my personal life but I have a team I just want to say thank you to all the Puerto Rican people and all of my friends and to not worry, I am going to be ready for the fight. I understand that all of those questions will come and I will answer the best I can but it will not take me away from the focus that I have for Orlando Salido.

After the tough fight in January many people thought you might retire. Did that enter your mind?

ORLANDO SALIDO: As far as I am concerned the opportunity came at the perfect time. I know what I am capable of doing and I know this is one of my last opportunities to win a championship so I worked very hard for this fight. I am going to be ready to win the fight.

You were knocked down a few times in your last fight – is that a worry for you?

ORLANDO SALIDO: You know, everybody in boxing, if you get hit, there are some strong punchers out there. The question is, what are you going to do? I am going to get up and try my hardest. It happens in boxing. You just have to get ready. You prepare yourself by training for each fight – do the best you can in the ring so you can do the best you can in the ring.

What do you think about Mikey [Garcia] going up to 130 especially because it seemed as though you were catching up to him in the later rounds?

ORLANDO SALIDO: I always thought he was a big guy for 126 and I think he will be even bigger and stronger at 130. I look at him like one of those guys that can go up and have no problem with it.

How do you feel about Salido beating fellow Puerto Rican fight, Juan Manuel Lopez, twice?

ORLANDO CRUZ: I have been working hard and am taking this fight more seriously than any other I have had. I know Salido is a strong fighter and I know every round he becomes stronger and stronger and I am preparing myself for that challenge on October 12.

Since your announcement in October, have the events you have been invited to taken away from your training?

ORLANDO CRUZ: I have been training hard and focusing on this fight for October 12 and nothing will take me away from that. Every day I work harder and harder. I want to thank the WBO President Paco Valcarcel and my promoter, Tuto Zabala, who work hard with me every day to keep me motivated so I will become champion on October 12.

Puerto Rico now only has one champion…

ORLANDO CRUZ: The Puerto Rican community has been supporting me and has respected my decision. Puerto Rico has one champion in Rocky Martinez and now they are going to have a second champion on October 12. Puerto Rico will soon have another champion in Danny Garcia.

There is another fighter on October 12, Lomanchenko who could be a next opponent for him…

ORLANDO CRUZ: The only one I am looking at right now is Mr. Salido. I am not looking at anyone else. When the time comes to look at my next fight, I will sit down with my promoter and my team to discuss. That will be great but my focus right now is on Salido.

What is your opinion on the landscape of Puerto Rico boxing. Mexicans have been successful as of late…

ORLANDO SALIDO: I think about what I have done against Puerto Rican fighters. I am 5-0 against them and looking to make it 6-0. I know how to fight them and my experience helps me to do that and I’ll be ready for anything that happens in the ring based on my experience on what I have done in the ring against them.

TODD du BOEF: It is great to hear this dialogue from these two great warriors as they get ready for the fight. Right now we are going to ramp up an incredible promotion with Timmy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez. A release will be going out this afternoon announcing the rest of the undercard. We will have Seanie Monaghan against Anthony Caputo Smith for the WBC Continental Americas title and the Olympian Lomanchenko fighting in his pro debut in a ten-rounder against top-10 contender Jose Luis Ramirez out of Mexico. There is a lot of interest in all of the competitive fights on the show and the response has been terrific. The main event between Bradley and Marquez is one of those sit-around-a-bar or table and no one can pick a winner. We know how competitive it is and how closely matched it is. In the next few weeks we will have numerous promotional activities. Also, tomorrow I will be in Los Angeles for the Cotto media day, so if you are in LA, show up.

ORLANDO SALIDO: I think you are going to see another great fight between two guys that really want it and leave everything they have in the ring. I want to wish Orlando Cruz luck and you cant’ beat Puerto Rico vs. Mexico in the ring.

TUTO ZABALA: Thank you everyone for joining the call and we are looking for a great fight. We have the greatest promotional team in the world, Top Rank. Two of the best featherweights in the world. You have Puerto Rico vs. Mexico. You have a great main event. I am very proud of Orlando Cruz and Puerto Rico will have a new champion on October 12.

ORLANDO CRUZ: I want to thank all of the press for joining us today. I want to thank All Star Boxing, Top Rank and the WBO. I wish all the luck to Orlando Salido and Puerto Rico will have a new champion on October 12.

http://philboxing.com/news/story-87137.html

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Photos: Pete Susens –

Former World Featherweight Champion Orlando “Siri” Salido is training hard in the intense summer heat at Arena Osuna Boxing Gym in his native Ciudad Obregon, Mexico Salido is preparing for battle against Puerto Rican Olympian and top contender, Orlando Cruz, on October 12th at The Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. The pair will be fighting for the Vacant WBO World Featherweight Title and are the semi final to legendary Juan Manuel Marquez who will be facing Timothy Bradley for the welterweight title in the main attraction.

“I am ready and as positive as I have ever been,” said Salido. “I want my title back.” He is in camp with trainer Santos Moreno and manager Sean Gibbons.

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http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/salido-working-hard-to-take-back-the-title-226648

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LAS VEGAS, NEV. (September 17, 2013) — It’s just 25 days until undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion TIMOTHY “Desert Storm” BRADLEY, JR. and four-division world champion and Méxican icon JUAN MANUEL “Dinamita” MÁRQUEZ, both coming off Fight of the Year performances, collide in a battle for Bradley’s world title. The only two fighters to have defeated Fighter of the Decade Manny Pacquiao in the past seven years, Bradley vs. Márquez will take place Saturday, October 12, at the Thomas & Mack Center, on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Zanfer Promotions, All Star Boxing,Wynn Las Vegas, Márquez Boxing, and Tecate, the Bradley vs. Márquez pay-per-view undercard is just as steeped in excitement and historical significance as the main event.

No. 1 contender ORLANDO CRUZ, boxing’s first openly gay fighter, will clash with former two-time featherweight champion ORLANDO “Siri” SALIDO for the vacant WBO featherweight title. For Cruz (20-2-1, 10 KOs), of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and a member of Puerto Rico’s 2000 Olympic team, this will be his first world title shot. Half of Cruz’s professional victories have been by knockout, including three of his last four fights — all for the WBO Latino featherweight belt — propelling him to the top of the WBO ratings. He enters this title tilt riding a two-year winning streak, highlighted by a first-round knockout of previously undefeated Michael Franco. Salido (39-12-2, 27 KOs), of Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, México, will be looking to complete a hat trick in regaining the title he previously held for nearly two years. He captured his first world title in his third attempt. After a No Decision to Robert Guerrero in 2006 and a split decision loss to Cristobal Cruz in 2008, Salido finally captured the International Boxing Federation (IBF) featherweight title in 2010, avenging his loss to Cruz by winning a split decision. His title reign was short-lived, losing a unification fight to World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight champion Yuriorkis Gamboa later that same year. Salido bounced back in a big way, stopping undefeated WBO featherweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez in the eighth round in 2011 to capture his second world championship crown. Salido enters this fight having won five of his last six fights by knockout, including title defenses against Kenichi Yamaguchi in 2011 and a rematch with Lopez in 2012. He lost the title in January, by decision, to Mikey Garcia. He is currently world-rated No. 3 by the WBO.

Two-time Ukrainian Olympic gold medalist VASYL “The Great” LOMACHENKO will jump into the deep end of boxing’s international-sized swimming pool when he makes his professional debut in a 10-round featherweight bout against top-10 contender JOSE LUIS RAMIREZ. Lomachenko first gained international renown by winning gold medals in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2012 London Games as a featherweight and lightweight, respectively. Known for his all-out aggressive style of boxing, Lomachenko is equally aggressive in plotting his professional boxing plan to a world title where he insisted on making his pro debut in a 10-round bout against a seasoned veteran where a victory could propel him to a Top-10 world rating. He certainly has that in Ramirez (24-2-2, 15 KOs), of Méxicali, Baja California,México, who has won six of his last seven fights. Ramirez enters this fight fresh from a career-best victory, a 12-round decision over Rey Bautista (34-2, 25 KOs), in April. for the WBO International featherweight title, ending the No. 4-rated contender’s four-year winning streak. Ramirez is currently word-rated No. 7 by the WBO.

Undefeated World Boxing Council (WBC) Americas light heavyweight champion “Irish” SEANIE MONAGHAN, one of the top boxing gate attractions in his native New York, will open up the live telecast in his pay-per-view debut. He captured the title on June 14, 2012, via an eighth-round TKO of Romaro Johnson and successfully defended it last October 24, winning a unanimous decision over Rayco Sanders. Known for his aggressive style and good punching power, especially to the body, Monaghan, 31, is currently world-rated No. 10 by the WBA. In last his fight, on April 13, he scored a first-round knockout of Dion Stanley on the undercard of the Nonito Donaire – Guillermo Rigondeaux world junior featherweight championship at Radio City Music Hall. Venturing outside the New York / New Jersey area for the first time, Monaghan (18-0, 11 KOs), of Long Beach, NY, will risk his title, undefeated record and top-10 rating against ANTHONY CAPUTO-SMITH. Smith (14-1, 10 KOs), of Kenneth Square, Pa., captured the Pennsylvania State light heavyweight title on April 19, winning a gritty majority decision over Dhafir Smith.

Remaining tickets to the Bradley vs. Márquez welterweight championship event, priced at $800, $600, $400, $300, $200, $100 and $50, can be purchased at the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office, online at UNLVtickets.com, at UNLVtickets Outlet Town Square Las Vegas Concierge, or by calling 702-739-FANS (3267).

http://www.thesweetscience.com/news/tss-press-releases/17242-just-25-days-til-marquez-bradley-bout

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By Salvador Rodriguez

Former champion Olando Salido (39-12-2, 27KOs) is confident his big fight experience will be more than enough to overcome his next opponent, Orlando Cruz (20-2-1, 10KOs). Salido and Cruz will battle for the vacant WBO featherweight title on October 12th at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The main event that night will feature a welterweight fight between Juan Manuel Marquez and WBO champion Timothy Bradley.

“It’s a tough fight, very important, but we believe in our experience, our strength, our journey in boxing and especially attacking to the body because Cruz is a very elusive fighter,” Salido said.

“It’s a good showcase to prove that we can still do it. We lost our footing with [the loss to Mikey] Garcia, but we have everything to take back what is ours, that title. We’re staying near the weight. We should have no problems making 126 pounds and that will enable us to make a good fight.”

“I think he’s a good fighter, he moves well the ring. I’ve been practicing with sparring southpaws. I do not want any surprises. We will lower our legs and hit the body and use our boxing to return to being a world champion.”

http://www.boxingscene.com/orlando-salido-plans-punish-orlando-cruzs-body–69232

El puertorriqueño Orlando (El Fenómeno) Cruz, el primer boxeador en el mundo en aceptar abiertamente que es homosexual, se prepara a todo vapor para defender su título Latino de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo el próximo 22 de marzo en Orlando, Florida.

Pero será Miguel Ángel (Mickey) García y Orlando (Siri) Salido quienes definirán con el resultado del choque entre ambos el próximo 19 de enero en el Madison Square Garden de Nueva York, el futuro del peleador boricua, quien marcha segundo en las clasificaciones de la OMB.

Salido defenderá su corona de las 126 libras ante García en el evento estelar de la velada en la que también estará activo el titular puertorriqueño Román (Rocky) Martínez.

Cruz actualmente entrena en Buffalo, Nueva York, de la mano de los preparadores Juan de León y Carlos (Sugar) de León.

‘El Fenómeno’ presenciará el combate de García y Salido, y dejará saber sus intenciones de convertirse en el rival del ganador.

“Orlando está pendiente para pelear en marzo, pero está más pendiente al ganador de la pelea entre Mickey García y Orlando Salido”, dijo Félix (Tutico) Zabala, promotor de Cruz.

“Nosotros estamos listos para defender el título Latino en una función en Orlando, Florida el 22 de marzo, pero es una prioridad para nosotros una pelea con el ganador de este combate”, añadió.

Cruz ganó el título Latino de la OMB a principios del 2012 y lo defendió con éxito ante el mejicano Jorge Pazos el pasado 19 de octubre, en la Florida, precisamente dos semanas después de revelar y sacudir al mundo del boxeo con la noticia de que se declaraba abiertamente homosexual.

Zabala dijo que Cruz está en su mejor momento y listo para rivalizar con el ganador del fogoso choque entre mexicanos. ‘Siri’ Salido viene de propinarle dos derrotas por la vía rápida a López, considerado uno de los mejores 126 libras en la actualidad. García va en ruta ascendente en la división y con marca invicta de 30-0 y 26 KOs.

“Creo que Orlando Cruz está listo para enfrentar a cualquiera de los dos. Tiene experiencia y mucha ‘hambre’. Tiene muchos años en el deporte. Está en su momento”, aseguró Zabala.

Cruz tiene marca de 19-2-1 y nueve nocauts.

Por Carlos Narvaez

http://www.vocero.com/el-fenomeno-apunta-a-salido-o-garcia/

El puertorriqueño Orlando “El Fenómeno” Cruz (19-2-1 y 9 nocauts) volverá a la acción el 22 de marzo en una función que se celebrará en el Civic Center de Kissimmee, Florida,   por la empresa All Star Promotions y su presidente Félix “Tutico” Zabala.

Cruz es el segundo clasificado en las 126 libras en la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) y estará presente el 19 de enero en Nueva York para presenciar el pleito entre el campeón Orlando “Siri” Salido y el invicto pegador Mikey García, que es el primer retador.

Esa noche, Román “Rocky” Martínez expondrá su faja de las 130 libras de la OMB ante el azteca Juan Carlos Burgos mientras Félix Verdejo (1-0) hará su segunda pelea como profesional.

El zurdo del residencial Quintana ha ganado sus últimas tres reyertas y enderezó su prometedora carrera bajo la promoción de Zabala y el entrenamiento de Juan de León. De paso, Cruz se encuentra en la ciudad de Buffalo, Nueva York, desde diciembre preparándose para dicho pleito.

Por Rey Colon, The Sport Press

http://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Reporte_7/Orlando_Cruz_pelea_el_22_de_marzo_en_FL.php
Featherweight contender Orlando ‘The Phenomenon’ Cruz (19-2-1, 9 KO’s) will return to action on March 22 at a function being staged at the Civic Center in Kissimmee, Florida. The card is being put together by promoter Félix ‘Tutico ‘Zabala of All Star Promotions. Cruz is a top contender at 126 pounds under the World Boxing Organization and will be present on January 19 in New York to witness the HBO televised fight between champion Orlando “Siri” Salido and undefeated puncher Mikey Garcia, which is the WBO’s first ranked challenger.

Rey Colon

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=61242#ixzz2HaPOYLPE

Sources have confirmed to BoxingScene.com that Orlando Salido will defend his WBO featherweight title against Mikey Garcia in an HBO doubleheader Nov. 10 in Las Vegas.

The 12-round Salido-Garcia fight will headline a “Boxing After Dark” doubleheader from Wynn Las Vegas & Encore Hotel.

Garcia (28-0, 24 KOs), of Oxnard, Calif., is the mandatory challenger for the Mexican champion’s WBO 126-pound crown. Salido (39-11-2, 27 KOs, 1 NC) made his most recent defense against Chile’s Moises Gutierrez (21-5, 8 KOs), whom Salido stopped in the third round July 28 in Tepic, Mexico.

The co-featured fight Nov. 10 will pit Vanes Martirosyan (32-0, 20 KOs), of Glendale, Calif., against Cuban-born southpaw Erislandy Lara (17-1-1, 11 KOs) in a 12-round, 154-pound WBC elimination match.

Top Rank Inc., which won a purse bid to promote the Lara-Martirosyan match and represents Garcia, is expected to make an official announcement regarding the doubleheader sometime next week.

By: Keith Idec

http://www.boxingscene.com/salido-garcia-lara-vanes-hbo-vegas-double-looks-set–57294

Although his record shows several loses, it is important to clarify that eight of those eleven loses came between the ages of 15 and 21. A “journeymen” for many boxing fans, Orlando Salido made his biggest statement with an impressive 8th-round knockout of former undefeated WBO champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez; proving his worth as one of the elites in the featherweight division. In 2004, Salido challenged then WBA/IBF Featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez but came up short, losing by unanimous decision. In 2006, he defeated Robert Guerrero by unanimous decision to claim the IBF Featherweight title, but Salido’s victory was later ruled a “No Contest” because Salido tested positive for steroids after the fight, therefore he was stripped from his title. His third title opportunity came against Cristobal Cruz for the vacant IBF

Featherweight title. Once again, Salido came up short, losing by split decision. But in 2010, he avenged his loss by defeating Cruz in the rematch by unanimous decision, and claimed the IBF Featherweight title. Five months later, he lost a unanimous decision against Cuban sensation Yuriorkis Gamboa, but was quickly able to bounce back by defeating Juan Manuel Lopez to claim the WBO featherweight title. After two successful title defenses, Salido once again went to Puerto Rico and defeat Juan Manuel Lopez by TKO in the tenth round in their rematch on March 10.

WORLD TITLES:

1. IBF Fetherweight Champion (twice)

2. WBO Featherweight Champion (twice)

El puertorriqueño Orlando “El Fenómeno” Cruz (19-2-1 y 9 KO’s), campeón interino Latino de las 126 libras en la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), volverá al cuadrilátero el 15 de junio en Kissimmee, Florida, en una cartelera de la compañía All Star Promotions que preside Félix ‘Tutico’ Zabala.

Cruz, cuarto clasificado en la OMB, se encuentra radicado en Jersey City, y luego de un prolongado descanso de 20 meses, regresó en noviembre 14 del 2011 noqueando a los 2:29 del primer asalto al hasta entonces invicto Michael Franco para ganar ese cinturón el cual defendió en febrero 10 achocando a Alejandro Delgado a los 2:59 del undécimo capítulo.

El ex olímpico es un fuerte candidato para retar en algún momento de este año a el campeón pluma Orlando ‘Siri’ Salido, quien viene de despachar a los 32 segundos del décimo asalto a Juan Manuel López, ex monarca de la división.

 

Por Rey Colón, The Sport Press

http://www.notifight.com/artman2/publish/Reporte_7/El_Fen_meno_Cruz_pelear_el_15_de_junio.php