A new chapter will be added to the classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry on Saturday, November 13, as Jaime Munguia (37-0, 30 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico, will put his undefeated record and WBO Intercontinental Middleweight title on the line when he faces off against the Borinquen warrior “King” Gabriel Rosado (26-13-1, 15 KOs) of Philadelphia, Penn. Fight fans, clamoring for an all-out war between two of the most exciting warriors in the division, will get to see a 12-round ‘Fight of the Year’ contender, live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico.

Additional information on the event will be announced.

“This fight will be full of non-stop action. It will be a war that fight fans will enjoy and a new exciting chapter in the classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico boxing rivalry,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman, and CEO of Golden Boy. “Both fighters are coming off of spectacular performances and knock-out victories that showed their power, speed, and resilience. Jaime Munguia is a super-star; he has all the elements that make a fighter great. He’s already conquered the junior middleweight division and is on his way to conquer the middleweight division. But this is going to be a big test for him because Gabriel Rosado is a dangerous fighter, he has never backed down from a challenge. He has faced and gone the distance with some of the toughest fighters in the middleweight division. This is truly a ‘Fight of the Year’ contender, a fight that fans will remember for years to come.”

“As always, Golden Boy continues to deliver world-class matchmaking in what’s set to be a brilliant night of boxing in November between Jaime Munguia and Gabriel Rosado,” said Ed Breeze, EVP Rights at DAZN. “After a clinical performance against Szeremeta in June, Munguia puts it all on the line again, this time against a fan favorite and one of the toughest men in the sport of boxing, Gabriel Rosado. We cannot wait to bring this fight to fans around the world, live exclusively on DAZN.”

“Rosado is a dangerous fighter with a lot of experience,” said Munguia. “He is a formidable rival that we have to prepare to be stronger and more intelligent in the ring. He has had the opportunity to fight with great fighters, the best in the middleweight division. I am going to give this fight 100% and as always, give a great fight for fans on November 13.”

“I’m excited about this fight. It’s a fight in high demand,” said Rosado. “I respect Munguia as a fighter and I will bring my best and I am confident I will be victorious. My last fight I think will end up being ‘Knock-out of the Year,’ and I plan on making this upcoming bout ‘The Fight of the Year.’ Time to make history. Team KGR!!”

Ranked as one of the top middleweights in the world, Jaime Munguia will have a big challenge in facing “King” Gabriel Rosado. One of the most exciting fighters to come out of Tijuana, Mexico, Munguia is a rising boxing super-star in the middleweight division. He has already conquered the junior middleweight division with a former world title and five defenses against Liam “Beefy” Smith, Brandon “Bad Boy” Cook, Takeshi Inoue, Dennis Hogan, and Patrick Allotey. Now, Munguia hopes to continue his undefeated streak as he trains under the tutelage of Hall of Famer Erik “El Terrible” Morales as he continues to climb the ranks and prove he is the best at 160lbs.

“King” Gabriel Rosado (26-13-1, 15 KOs) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is coming off of a sensational knock-out victory over the former undefeated fighter Bektemir “Bully” Melikuziev. The Philadelphia fighter of Puerto Rican descent has never backed down from a fight and has delivered some of the most memorable battles in the sport, facing some of the toughest fighters in the division. His experience has prepared him for the upcoming test, as he takes on Munguia on November 13 and hopefully claim the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight title.

Munguia vs. Rosado is a 12-round fight for the WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Title presented by Golden Boy in association with Zanfer Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate “The Official Beer of Boxing,” Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle,” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Saturday, November 13, live exclusively on DAZN worldwide, excluding Mexico.

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Puerto Rico’s Amanda Serrano will defend her 126-pound world titles on Sunday, August 29, at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, located in the city of Cleveland.

Her fight will be part of a Showtime pay-per-view card, which features a cruiserweight main event with social media star Jake Paul colliding with former UFC champion Tyron Woodley.

In the month of March, Serrano put away Daniela Bermudez by knockout. She then came back in the month of June, in mixed martial arts, to defeat Valentina Garcia by submission in just 60 seconds.

Serrano (40-1-1, 30 KOs) will defend the titles of the WBO, WBC and IBO against Mexico’s Yamileth Mercado (18-2, 5 KOs) – the current WBC super bantamweight world champion (122 pounds).

“I’m happy with these blessings that God has given me,” said Serrano. “I want to thank Yamileth Mercado for accepting the fight since her compatriot Erika Cruz (WBA 126-pound champion) didn’t dare. Anyway, I’m sure Yamileth and I can steal the show on August 29 with this great war between Mexico and Puerto Rico.

“Yamileth and I have a common opponent and that is Fatuma Zarika. We have both faced her twice and all of the fights were strong. I was able to beat equipoise apilado con otros esteroides her both times and then she was crowned world champion – until Yamileth won the title from her in a rematch.”

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(18 de febrero de 2021- San Juan, Puerto Rico) – El presidente fundador de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), licenciado Luis Batista Salas, y el actual presidente de ese ente regulador, licenciado Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel Mulero, lideraron el pasado martes un cónclave entre las principales figuras del boxeo en Puerto Rico para discutir con el nominado secretario de Recreación y Deportes (DRD) Ray Quiñones Vázquez, el futuro de esta industria a nivel isla.

El abogado de la OMB, licenciado Gustavo Olivieri Miranda, también dijo presente en el encuentro. Por el DRD, participaron Quiñones y el asesor legal de la agencia, licenciado Raúl Santiago. Los promotores Raúl Pastrana (Spartan Boxing), Bryan Pérez y Héctor Soto (Miguel Cotto Promotions), Peter e Iván Rivera (Puerto Rico Best Boxing) y Javier Bustillo (Universal Promotions), y el presidente de la Federación Puertorriqueña de Boxeo Aficionado, José Laureano completaron la matrícula en el encuentro llevado a cabo en la sede del DRD, en Santurce.

“La reunión fue convocada por la OMB y basado en lo discutido podemos predecir que el boxeo profesional de Puerto Rico inicia una nueva etapa post COVID-19 en busca de retornar a su sitial internacional como una de las jurisdicciones más importantes en el mundo. Esto se logrará mediante, en parte, la celebración mensual de carteleras de primer nivel (en Puerto Rico),” indicó el licenciado Batista Salas. “Los participantes se comprometieron a unir esfuerzos para cumplir esta meta.” Los presentes en la reunión también expresaron su apoyo unánime al nombramiento de Quiñones como Secretario de Recreación y Deportes.

“Esperamos que el Senado de Puerto Rico actúe con prontitud en relación a este nombramiento para continuar los esfuerzos en pro del beneficio del boxeo profesional de Puerto Rico,” agregó Batista Salas.

Por su parte, Quiñones Vázquez indicó que “para mí era de suma importancia poder llevar a cabo esta reunión y dejarles saber mis intenciones con el deporte en general.”

Fotos por Víctor Planas / OMB

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The only current male world champion from Puerto Rico, Wilfredo “Bimbito” Mendez (16-1, 6 KOs), from Trujillo Alto, will have his third title defense on Wednesday, December 16th in the Dominican Republic. The event will be promoted by Shuan Boxing Promotions.

Mendez will put his WBO Mini-Flyweight (105 lbs) world title on the line when he faces the dangerous Venezuelan Alexis Díaz (25-2, 17 KOs) at the Hotel Catalonia in Santo Domingo. The world championship bout will be broadcast live on Shuan Boxing’s YouTube channel.

“The two defeats of my opponent have been in good fights against world champions (José Argumedo and Thammanoon Niyomtrong)”, Méndez said. “He goes into the ring with a lot of desire to take the title for Venezuela and I understand that we both will give the Dominican and world boxing fans a great fight.”

For his third defense, “Bimbito” trained at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“I was working in Las Vegas with trainers Yoel González and Carlos de León. The physical work was made by Ángel “Memo” Heredia and I’m more than grateful to Mayweather’s people for treating us like family. Training with great champions like Angelo Leo and Gervonta Davis has been a great learning experience. In the sparring sessions, the six-time Puerto Rican national champion Yankiel Rivera helped me a lot. I am motivated and on December 16, I will show that the island of Coquí has a lot of boxing left in the tank,” Mendez said.

Photo by V. Planas

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Naranjito, Puerto Rico – The World Boxing Organization (WBO), chaired by Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel, Esq. held this afternoon the official belt presentation ceremony dedicated to new WBO Junior Lightweight Female World Champion, Mikaela Mayer (14-0, 5 KOs), from California.

During the event, a special recognition award was given to Super Middleweight sensation Edgar Berlanga (15-0, 15 KOs), of New York.

Former World Champions José Pedraza and Alex ‘El Nene’ Sánchez presented Mayer with the world title belt she officially won last Saturday in Las Vegas, by defeating five-time defending WBO World Champion Ewa Brodnicka, of Poland, via unanimous decision.

“She deserves it,” Valcarcel, Esq. said, “She was an Olympian, she has beaten several Puerto Ricans boxers like Kiria Tapia in the amateurs. She is an incredible person and has a great desire to be a world champion. She always told me of her interest in fighting for the title and she made it in a big way against Ewa Brodnicka, who at the time had five successfully world title defenses. It’s a great pleasure and honor to have Mikaela Mayer here”.

Mikaela Mayer:

“My opponent left the belt in the dressing room in fight night. Been here definitely made it very special and thank you all for having me here. I’m enjoying this little trip and excited to represent women’s boxing and the WBO World Champions”.

Berlanga, ranked ninth in the Super Middleweight Division by the WBO, was awarded a special WBO mini belt at the event for his spectacular ring performance. The knockout artist has been victorious in all of his fights via KO in the very first round. Three of his opponents had never been knocked before facing him. Berlanga’s power has been evident, drawing the attention of the fans and the world of entertainment.

“Berlanga has to be a super gifted athlete because having all of his knockout wins in the first round at Super Middleweight says a lot. We are recognizing him on this day to give him motivation and he has a future in our organization. If he matures as he looks, we may have a world champion in the future. The sky is the limit for you,” Valcárcel, Esq. said.

“Thank you all for being here. WBO, Paco, thanks for everything, and soon I will arrive on the island with the world title,” Berlanga said.

The event took place at the Atirantado Bar & Grill, located in the city of Naranjito, Puerto Rico.

Photos by Victor Planas

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The World Boxing Organization (WBO), chaired by Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel, Esq. suspended the 2020 edition of its annual convention due to the current pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus.

The annual convention was scheduled to be held next October in the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The decision was made by the Executive Committee and 78 member countries of the organization. The vote was unanimous. Valcárcel, Esq. indicated that the elections for all the positions of the Executive Committee and of the regional organisms were postponed until the 2021 Convention.

For his part, WBO’s legal adviser, Gustavo Olivieri, Esq. stressed that the organization’s priority is the health of all its members and the general public.

“In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the WBO’s greatest concern is the health and safety of our members, former and current champions, and the boxing community in general. Therefore, in consultation with our WBO Member Commissions around the world and the WBO Executive Committee, it was agreed that the best course of action was to postpone the annual convention for the following year (2021)”, said Olivieri.

“We hope to see and greet all of the WBO family in 2021.”

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Valdez-Velez, Berlanga-Eric Moon and Clavel-Natalie Gonzalez to be televised LIVE on ESPN & ESPN Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT

LAS VEGAS — The first run of Top Rank on ESPN shows inside the MGM Grand “Bubble” will conclude with a certified boxing action hero ready for another toe-to-toe tussle.

Former featherweight world champion Oscar Valdez, ranked No. 1 by the WBO at junior lightweight, will face former world title challenger Jayson Velez in the 10-round main event Tuesday, July 21, inside the MGM Grand Conference Center.

In the eight-round co-feature, super middleweight knockout sensation Edgar Berlanga(13-0, 13 KOs), who has knocked out 13 consecutive foes in the first round to begin his pro career, will look to extend the streak against Eric Moon (11-2, 6 KOs).

The card also will highlight the long-awaited return of Kim Clavel, the undefeated light flyweight who won the 2020 Pat Tillman Award for Service at the ESPYs for her work as an elder care nurse in Montreal during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clavel, who is promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM), will fight fellow unbeaten Natalie Gonzalez in an eight-rounder.

Valdez-Velez, Berlanga-Moon, Clavel-Gonzalez, and undercard bouts will be televised live on ESPN & ESPN Deportes beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

“Oscar Valdez wants to fight WBC world champion Miguel Berchelt, and I know Miguel wants nothing more than to fight Oscar,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Oscar knows Jayson Velez is a serious challenge that he cannot overlook. This is a great main event, and an incredible deep card, to close out our first round of shows inside the ‘Bubble.’”

Valdez (27-0, 21 KOs) has won three fights since his March 2018 war of attrition against Scott Quigg, when his jaw was shattered in the fifth round of a 12-round championship bout. He took nearly one year off following the Quigg fight and moved up to the junior lightweight ranks last year. In his last outing, November 30 in Las Vegas, he survived a second-round knockdown to knock out Adam Lopez in the seventh.

Velez (29-6-1, 21 KOs), from Juncos, Puerto Rico, nearly won the IBF featherweight world title from Evgeny Gradovich in November 2014, but he was held to a controversial draw. He has fought from featherweight to lightweight in recent years and March 2018 knockout victory over former world champion Juan Manuel Lopez. Velez was one half of a Fight of the Year Contender in February, as he knocked down Jaime Arboleda in the 12th round, only to lose a split decision verdict by a single point on two of the judges’ scorecards. He has never been knocked out in a career that’s spanned nearly 13 years.

Valdez said, “I’m ready for the best of the division. I want to be a two-division world champion, and the only way to do that is to beat tough fighters like Jayson Velez, who has challenged for a world title and possesses a lot of experience. Also, I’m very thankful to be fighting during this critical time where the sport of boxing is getting attention again.”

“We know there have been discussions about me challenging Miguel Berchelt for his WBC super featherweight world title, but Velez is first. I need to beat Velez first if I want to fight Berchelt, and I’m expecting a very tough fight. I want to dedicate this fight to all of the nurses and doctors who are working hard on this pandemic and to my father, Top Rank, and my manager, Frank Espinoza. I can’t wait to return to the ring.”

Said Velez, “Oscar Valdez is the greatest name I have ever had the opportunity to face. He is a young, undefeated fighter who was already a world champion and is hungry for another world title. At this stage of my career, I see each fight as if it were the last chance to achieve my dream. It’s now or never. We are going to make that dream come true.”

Berlanga, the brash Brooklynite nicknamed “The Chosen One,” took care of Cesar Nunez in 2:45 last December on the Terence Crawford-Egidijus Kavaliauskas undercard at Madison Square Garden. Moon has won four of his last five and has been knocked out only once since turning pro in July 2016. He has fought eight or more rounds five times.

Said Berlanga, “I’ve not really changed much about training because of the knockout streak. Training is all about improving as a boxer. I had a good amateur career, and that comes from being a good technical boxer. My focus in training has been to continue to improve my skills under my trainer, Andre Rozier, and Team Havoc.”

Clavel (11-0, 2 KOs) is coming off a career-best win last December, a decision over Esmeralda Gaona Sagahon that earned her the NABF light flyweight belt. The belt won’t be on the line against Gonzalez (6-0, 1 KO), a native of New Rochelle, New York, who was a two-time New York Golden Gloves champion as an amateur.

In undercard action:

Former junior featherweight world champion Isaac “Royal Storm” Dogboe (20-2, 14 KOs), on the comeback trail following back-to-back defeats to Emanuel Navarrete, will face two-time world title challenger Chris “The Hitman” Avalos (27-7, 20 KOs) in an eight-round featherweight battle.

Elvis “The Dominican Kid” Rodriguez (7-0-1, 7 KOs), who is coming off a highlight-reel first-round KO July 2 against Danny Murray, will face Kenyan veteran Dennis Okoth (4-3-1, 2 KOs) in a six-rounder at junior welterweight.

Italian heavyweight destroyer Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello (7-0, 7 KOs) will aim to make it eight knockouts in as many fights against an opponent to be named in a six-rounder. Vianello, a 2016 Olympian, knocked out Don Haynesworth in one round June 9.

Raphael “Trouble” Igbokwe (14-2, 6 KOs), winner of two straight bouts, will fight Genc Pllana (8-1-1, 4 KOs) in an eight-round super middleweight bout originally scheduled for July 16.

Via Gardy López / Top Rank

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Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano will collide in a blockbuster super fight at Manchester Arena on May 2 as the Irish legend puts her Undisputed WBO Lightweight World Title on the line against Puerto Rico’s seven-weight World Champion, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Two-weight World Champion Taylor can strengthen her status as one of the sport’s finest fighters against Serrano on the same night as Dillian Whyte risks his World Title ambitions in a huge Heavyweight encounter with the fearsome Alexander Povetkin.

Taylor (15-0, 6 KOs) sealed a dominant points win over Christina Linardatou to claim the WBO Super-Lightweight title at the same venue in November as she stepped up a division after becoming the Undisputed Lightweight ruler against Delfine Persoon in New York.

Serrano (38-1-1, 28 KOs) enhanced her reputation for thrilling fights with an action-packed points win over Heather Hardy at Madison Square Garden in September, while she sharpened her skills for Taylor in a stoppage win over Simone Aparacida Da Silva in Miami in January.

“It’s a fight that seems to have been talked about for years so I’m just glad it’s finally on,” said Taylor. “It’s a massive fight and one that I have been looking forward to for a long, long time.

“I’ve been working hard in training camp in the US since the start of the year so it’s great have a date to focus on now and I can’t wait for May 2nd.”

“I’m happy we finally got this big fight made because both myself & Katie deserve to be in this position,” said Serrano. “While our fight could have been a main event, I’m still grateful it’s happening. I’m not going to talk down to Katie, as I know she won’t to me, so I’ll leave it at this: one thing that’s for sure is that we’ll both leave it all in the ring. Thanks to my Promoter Lou DiBella, Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing, DAZN & Katie Taylor for this great opportunity. See you in Manchester!”

“Katie Taylor versus Amanda Serrano for the Undisputed Lightweight Championship of the World – this is the biggest women’s fight of all time,” said Eddie Hearn. “The whole of Ireland and Puerto Rico are going to be watching this absolute war between the Undisputed champion and the seven weight division champion – it doesn’t get any bigger!”

“I’m proud to co-promote this historic fight with Matchroom, and to have it featured on a massive card in Manchester,” said Lou DiBella. “Two of the best female fighters in the world, two of the best of all time, will square up for boxing supremacy. Amanda didn’t shy away from moving back up in weight or from the fight being in the UK; she embraced the idea of winning on the road and cementing international stardom. Taylor vs. Serrano isn’t only the best of women’s boxing, it’s the best of what boxing is supposed to be.”

Adam Smith, Head of Sky Sports Boxing Development, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to add Katie Taylor’s sensational showdown with Amanda Serrano to the Whyte-Povetkin bill. With Sky Sports increasing its commitment to women’s sport, we’ll be showcasing the biggest fight of Taylor’s professional career after following every step of her epic journey.

“We’ve witnessed Serrano’s all-action style, having covered her breathless battle with Heather Hardy. A magnificent multi-weight champion, Serrano now takes on Taylor, Ireland’s dazzling star, as two elite competitors collide in Manchester. Whyte also rolls the dice in a high-risk Heavyweight battle with Povetkin. Two explosive encounters that can only supply fireworks for fight fans.”

Tickets for Taylor vs. Serrano are priced £40, £60, £80, £100, £150, £200 and £400 (VIP).

Tickets are on sale to Fight Pass members NOW via StubHb (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).

General Sale tickets are available to purchase from 10.00am on Friday March 6 via Manchester Arena (www.manchester-arena.com), StubHub (www.stubhub.co.uk) and Matchroom Boxing (www.matchroomboxing.com).

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On December 31st we’ll see the year close out with a stacked card from Watanabe, headlined by WBO Jr. Bantamweight Champion Kazuto Ioka (24-2, 14) [井岡一翔] taking on mandatory challenger Jeyvier Cintron (11-0-0-1, 5). Today the men went face to face for the first time, meeting at the Haneda airport in Japan.

The two engaged in a lengthy, and intense face off, as well as talking to the press in quite a public setting.

Ioka seemed impressed by his opponents reputation, speaking about how Cintron is a 2-time Olympian and an undefeated professional. But added that he was prepared to win, and had been Stateside until just a few days ago.

​If Ioka wins, as is expected by many, there was two names suggested that he may face off with next. One of those is fellow Japanese fighter Kosei Tanaka (14-0, 8) [田中恒成], who will be defending his WBO Flyweight title against awkward Chinese challenger Wulan Tuolehazi (13-3-1, 6) [乌兰] on the same show, and the other is Nicaraguan great Roman Gonzalez (48-2, 40). Despite those names being mentioned to him today, Ioka stated that his focus was solely on Cintron.

Cintron on the other hand explained how he was honoured to have a fight in Japan, and came to take the belt back to Puerto Rico. He stated he was in good shape and seemed very calm and relaxed.

via asianboxing.info

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El ex-campeón mundial Angel ‘Tito’ Acosta (20-2, 20KOs) está de regreso el jueves 24 de octubre y se medirá al filipino Raymond Tabugón (22-10-1, 11KOs) en un combate a 10 asaltos en su primera pelea en la división mosca por el campeonato vacante Internacional OMB. El orgullo del Barrio Obrero en San Juan Puerto Rico mostró hoy en un aparte para los medios de comunicación parte de su arsenal junto a su nuevo equipo de trabajo compuesto por el veterano entrenador mexicano Juan Muciño.

Angel ‘Tito’ Acosta:
“Me siento muy bien he trabajado bien fuerte en este campamento para obtener una gran victoria, con mi entrenador Juan Muciño ha traído otras enseñanzas”.

“Estoy a 2 libras del peso y me siento muy bien, nunca habia estado tan cerca del peso en esta estapa, me siento fuerte”.

“Aprendí mucho de mi pelea con Elwin Soto, nunca subestimo a nadie pero llegó una mano buena para Soto y ya saben el resultado y creeme que he aprendido mucho”.

Juan Muciño – Entrenador
“Tito es un gran peleador el cuál hemos desarrollado una buena química y se verá la noche de la pelea. Entiendo que esta nueva división le va venir bien a Tito. Hemos trabajado en varios detalles nuestra meta es obtener una victoria sólida”.

Tito vs.Tabugón será parte del respaldo de Elwin Soto vs. Edward Heno es un duelo a 12 episodios por el cinturón mundial minimosca de la OMB presentado por Golden Boy en asociación con Promociones Zanfer. El evento es patrocinado por Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING.” La función se efectuará el jueves 24 de octubre de 2019 en el Fantasy Springs Resort Casino de Indio, California. Los combates serán transmitidos en vivo en RingTV.com y en Facebook Watch a través de la Pagina de Golden Boy Fight Night iniciando a las 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

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WBO ‘CHAMPIONS TOURNAMENT’ SERIES; Amanda Serrano will be honored; Golf tournament with boxing stars & Legends

CAGUAS, PUERTO RICO- For three boxing events during the month of October, the World Boxing Organization will serve as a link to give Puerto Rican talent a chance when conducting its “Champions Tournament” which will have several important scepters at play and help build the shoe for what will come in 2020.

It will have its headquarters on October 4 at the Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida, immediately followed on October 5 at the Pedrín Zorrilla Coliseum in San Juan,PR and culminating on the 26th at the Rubén Zayas Montañez Coliseum in Trujillo Alto,PR.

“Near the WBO Convention we always do a‘ Champions Tournament ”. We did it in Panama in 2018 and we have done it in Puerto Rico, in Orlando, in Miami. But being the convention this year in Japan (December 2-5), we wanted to do something as usual in the Caribbean, ”said WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’Valcárcel.

“We will have four championship fights as part of that tournament, starting on October 4 in Kissimmee with Yomar Álamo (17-0 with 12 KO’s) against Mexican Antonio Morán (24-4 with 17 KO’s) for WBO NABO Jr. Welterweight title. Subsequently, we have Danielito Zorrilla (12-0 with 10 KO’s) against the Aztec Jesus Perez (23-2 with 18 KO’s) for the WBO NABO interim Jr. Welterweight title with the idea that the winner there will face the winner between Álamo and Morán in a unifying fight for the NABO title by the beginning of 2020 ”.

As if that were not enough, the Miguel Cotto Promotions cartel on October 5 will have a second championship fight when the Nicaraguan Carlos Buitrago faces the Puerto Rican Israel Vázquez for the vacant WBO Latino Jr. Flyweight title. The tournament will then end on October 26 with the Spartan Boxing cartel, in which Wilfredo ‘Bimbito’ Méndez will defend his WBO World Mini-Flyweight crown for the first time.

The ambitious tournament presented by the World Boxing Organization of the event on Saturday, October 5, where Danielito Zorrilla faces Jesús Antonio Pérez will be seen exclusively in Puerto Rico for DIRECTV clients on channel 161

“We are very happy with the opportunity that Paco Valcarcel and the entire World Boxing Organization gives us to be part of this great championship tournament and more which will be live television throughout Puerto Rico on DIRECTV where we will have our most important boxer Danielito Zorrilla in his most important fight. Without a doubt, the champions tournament is a very important platform for all the promoters and boxers that will participate, it is the beginning of great opportunities for big fights, ”said promoter and vice president of Miguel Cotto Promotions, Héctor Soto.

Amanda Serrano will be honored:

As part of the festivities, the female world champion in seven divisions, Amanda Serrano, will be present in Kissimmee and San Juan, where she will be honored after being crowned recently as the new WBO Jr. Featherweight monarch.

“Amanda Serrano will be with us. She wants to dedicate her triumph to the Puerto Rican community. She will be first in Kissimmee on October 4. From there, Amanda flies to Puerto Rico to be on October 5 at Coliseum Pedrín Zorrilla, where she will be given her new champion belt at 126 pounds, ”said Valcárcel.

“She is going to stay in Puerto Rico for a couple more days because she turns 9 on October 9 and from there she will return to the United States because she has to continue training for the MMA fight that she has on the agenda soon.”

Golf tournament with boxing stars

To conclude the festivities, the WBO will host a golf tournament in “El Legado” in Guayama with the participation of several pugilisms, legends, as well as several of the best local fighters today.

“Before the October 26 card, we will have a golf tournament on October 24 with local boxers, trainers to share with professional boxing stars, such as Miguel Cotto, Oscar de la Hoya and Ronald ‘Winky’ Wright, as well as Eric Gomez, president of Golden Boy Promotions. They could be joined by others, such as Jaime Mungía (WBO World Jr. Middleweight Champion) and Emanuel Navarrete (WBO World Jr. Featherweight Champion). Some are still to be confirmed, ”added Valcárcel.

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Seven-division titleholder Amanda Serrano dominated over 10 rounds tonight, taking the WBO featherweight title from fellow Brooklyn fighter Heather Hardy on scores of 98-91, 98-91, and 98-92.

Serrano (37-1-1, 27 KO) had Hardy (22-1, 4 KO) hurt pretty badly in the opening round, and if women fought three minute rounds instead of two, it’s doubtful that Hardy would have made it out of the opening frame, as she was reeling badly by the end of those two minutes.

Serrano put a further beating on Hardy in the second, battering her to the body, but Hardy is as tough as advertised, and she stayed in the fight, going the distance even without a whole lot of success. Serrano did slow down some from her blistering early pace, but Hardy was never any real threat to beat her, as she just didn’t have the skill or power. Style-wise, it wound up a terrible matchup for Hardy, who has been successful largely on grit and toughness over her career. A superior boxer with better power was a nightmare for her, which was no real surprise, but expecting it and seeing it are two different things.

“I think it was a great performance,” Serrano said after. “Heather is as tough as they come, she became a champion for a reason. She came to fight, but I just was the better girl tonight. There’s level to boxing and she’s just not on my level.”

There has been a lot of talk of Serrano, who has bounced around weight divisions through her career — her last three fights have been at 140, 115, and 126, for instance — going to 135 for a fight with undisputed titleholder Katie Taylor, the Irish star.

Serrano isn’t sure she’ll get the fight, but she wants it.

“I say let’s go, but Katie Taylor’s going up to 140 so let’s she what she wants to do,” Serrano said. “No matter where it’s at or what weight, I’m gonna win.”

via https://www.badlefthook.com/2019/9/13/20865351/hardy-vs-serrano-results-amanda-dominates-heather-win-wbo-title-scores-decision-dazn-boxing-news

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SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO- El clasificado número uno de la OMB en las 105 libras, el puertorriqueño Wilfredo “Bimbito” Méndez, tendrá su ansiada oportunidad mundial el sábado, 24 de agosto, frente al filipino Vic Saludar, monarca de la OMB, en Puerto Rico en una presentación de PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP).

“Ya se llegó a un acuerdo y Vic Saludar vendrá a Puerto Rico a defender su título frente a Bimbito (Méndez), que es el retador mandatorio. Estamos trabajando en el escenario para este combate y estaremos anunciándolo próximamente junto a otros detalles de la cartelera”, expresó Peter Rivera, vicepresidente de PRBBP.

Bimbito Méndez (13-1, 5 kos), de 22 años, viene de vencer por decisión unánime a su compatriota Janie “Pototo” Rivera el 24 de mayo para defender por primera vez su cetro NABO de la OMB en las 105 libras y ganarse el derecho de clasificarse primero y enfrentar a Saludar.

El oriental Saludar (19-3, 10 kos), por su parte, cuenta con 28 años y ganó su correa de la OMB en las 105 libras el 13 de julio de 2018 cuando derrotó al japonés Ryuya Yamanaka, defendiéndolo en una ocasión, el 26 de febrero de este año, al imponerse sobre el también japonés Masataka Taniguchi. Ambos pleitos fueron en Japón.

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El boxeador mexicano-estadounidense viajará a la Isla para recibir un cinturón especial por parte de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), según confirmó el propio presidente del organismo, Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel.

“Este cinturón será uno especial para él. Estamos en lo de preparar las actividades. Tenemos que consultar con ellos (el boxeador, su padre Andy Ruiz y su representante legal) y preparar las actividades”, comentó Valcárcel a EL VOCERO.

Ruiz Jr. (33-1, 22KO’s) se convirtió en el segundo campeón de peso pesado luego de derrotar el pasado 1ro de junio por nocaut técnico al británico Anthony Joshua. El primero lo fue el boricua John Ruiz.

En una de las mayores sorpresas en la historia del boxeo, Ruiz Jr. consiguió los títulos de la Federación Internacional de Boxeo (FIB), Organización Internacional de Boxeo (IBO), Asociación Mundial de Boxeo (AMB) y el de la OMB. Fue la primera presentación del púgil en el Madison Square Garden de la ciudad de Nueva York.

“Él viene para la primera semana de julio. También estará en una actividad con los boxeadores puertorriqueños que llevaremos a cabo el 4 de julio en Arecibo”, agregó el veterano abogado.

via https://www.elvocero.com/deportes/boxeador-andy-ruiz-jr-visitar-puerto-rico/article_c2a21c72-915d-11e9-a1ab-6f567ab9f28d.html

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Back at the end of April we reported that the WBO had given their Flyweight champion Kosei Tanaka (13-0, 7) [田中恒成] and 28 year old Puerto Rican Jonathan Gonzalez (22-2-1, 13) 30 days to negotiate a deal for a mandatory world title fight.

That 30 day period was expected to result in a deal being made, with the teams though to have been close to securing a deal before the order was even made.

Today a deal for the bout has been announced!

The Hanatanaka gym, lead by former world champion Kiyoshi Hatanaka, held a press conference earlier today to announce that the Tanaka Vs Gonzalez bout was a done deal for August 24th at the Takeda Teva Ocean Arena in Nagoya, the same venue that Tanaka won the title last September with a win over Sho Kimura.

For Tanaka, a 3-weight world champion, the bout serves as his second defense of the title, following the previous mentioned win in September, and comes on the back of a commanding win over Ryoichi Taguchi in March. As for Gonzalez this will be his first world title fight, and his first bout in Asia, following bouts in a number of American countries.

​It’s worth noting that the challenger will be one of the first southpaws that Tanaka has faced during his professional career, though his team and especially his father, showed no worries given that Tanaka faced a number of southpaws in the amateur ranks.

The bout will air on CBC, but specifics in regards to time haven’t yet been confirmed. We’re hoping that we’ll be able to continue our working relationship with the channel to be able to bring you a live, legal stream to the bout in August.

Photo 暁 Honma 暁 www.bbm-japan.com
via http://www.asianboxing.info/asian-news/kosei-tanaka-to-defend-wbo-title-on-august-24th

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Congrats to the WBO NABO Mini-Flyweight Champion and ranked #4 Wilfredo “Bimbito” Méndez 🇵🇷 (13-1, 5 KO) of Trujillo Alto, who defeated WBO ranked #8 Janiel “Pototo” Rivera 🇵🇷 (18-3-3, 11 KO) of Vega Baja, via unanimous decision, on his first title defense at the Rubén Zayas Montañéz Coliseum in the city of Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico. Scorecards: 100-88, 99-89 & 97-91.

Below you can watch the entire event. In the main event, WBO NABO Champion Méndez faces Rivera in a great action fight:

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Serrano made it a quick night of work, stopping Voraberger to grab the WBO title in just 35 seconds.
By Wil Esco

Amanda Serrano said the hardest part of tonight’s fight would be making the weight, and proved as much as she plowed through Eva Voraberger in only 35 seconds of the first round to win the WBO super flyweight title. In winning the title, Serrano won a major world title in her seventh weight class.

Serrano (36-1-1, 27 KOs) started really quickly tonight, opening up on Voraberger with combinations that were landing from the opening bell. Then a sharp left hook to the body from Serrano hit Voraberger on the live, and Voraberger went down. At that point Voraberger just couldn’t get off the canvas to beat the count, ending the fight promptly.

In the post-fight interview Serrano was asked if she wanted to go for a title in an eighth division, but Serrano pumped the brakes on that for a moment, saying she instead wants to defend her newly-won WBO title for the time being. Serrano was also asked about a prospective fight against Katie Taylor, and Serrano simply said when that fight presents herself she just hopes Taylor is ready for her.

https://www.badlefthook.com/2019/1/18/18188965/amanda-serrano-destroys-eva-voraberger-wins-title-in-7th-divisionhttps://www.badlefthook.com/2019/1/18/18188965/amanda-serrano-destroys-eva-voraberger-wins-title-in-7th-division

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Puerto Rican knockout artist Angel “Tito” Acosta (18-1, 18 KOs) will defend his WBO Jr. Flyweight World Title for a second time as he takes on Mexican warrior Abraham Rodriguez (23-1, 11 KOs) in the 12-round main event of the Oct. 13 edition of Golden Boy Fight Night on Facebook Watch at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The action will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET.

Acosta is a 27-year-old world champion who has won all of his fights by knockout. Acosta has knocked out fighters all over the country, including stoppage wins in New Jersey, Texas, Florida and New York. In 2017, Acosta traveled to Japan to take on Kosei Tanaka for a world title, and though he lost in what was a very tough fight, the native of San Juan, Puerto Rico returned in his very next fight to capture the WBO Jr. Flyweight World Title with a 10-round technical knockout victory against Juan Alejo in Dec. 2017.

“I feel happy to be making my second defense against a Mexican fighter,” said Tito Acosta. “I know that Mexicans always come to give a war. Abraham Rodriguez will come very well prepared, and I’m sure we will give a great fight between Puerto Rico and Mexico.”

Rodriguez is a 23-year-old native of Sonora, Mexico who remained undefeated in 22 fights after his making his debut in April 2013. The 108-pound pugilist scored all of his wins in Mexico, though suffered his first defeat earlier this year against Alejandro Villaseñor. Rodriguez bounced back in July against Jorge Miguel Hernandez, putting him in place for title contention on Oct. 13.

“I’m mentally and physically motivated for this fight,” said Abraham Rodriguez. “I’m going to come very well prepared to give a war, which is always what happens when you have a fight between the two countries of Mexico and Puerto Rico. I’m happy to have the chance to elevate the name of my country against a someone who I know will come prepared for a battle.”

“This is an exciting time for Puerto Rican boxers,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “There are many world champions from Puerto Rico right now, including Alberto Machado. We’re proud to work with Miguel Cotto Promotions to give a great platform to some of Puerto Rico’s world champions, so it’s a great pleasure to have Tito Acosta headline this Facebook Watch event.”

“I’m very excited to have Tito Acosta headlining in Las Vegas for the first time in his career,” said Miguel Cotto, President of Miguel Cotto Promotions. “He is a rising Puerto Rican star and has everything to become a successful name in boxing. I can’t wait to watch him perform in Las Vegas on Facebook this October 13.”

Acosta vs. Rodriguez is a 12-round fight for the WBO Jr. Flyweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions. Murtazaliev vs. TBA is a 10-round junior middleweight fight presented by Main Events and Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The action will be streamed live globally on Facebook Watch via the Golden Boy Fight Night Page beginning at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET.

Tickets for Acosta vs. Rodriguez are priced at $75, $50, $25, and $10, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets go on sale Thursday, Sept. 27 at 10:00 a.m. PST. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or The Joint Box Office at (702) 693-5000.

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There’s chasing greatness then there’s chasing greatness and catching it. Once you get to a certain pinnacle in your career, the really good ones look to be great. Enter Puerto Rico’s own Amanda Serrano. A female fighter that has had quite an amazing career. The only Puerto Rican fighter to win a title in five divisions.

Serrano will be making her return to ring after a long break from the sport. She last fought in November scoring a TKO victory over Marilyn Hernandez. Afterwards she took a hiatus from the sport, she began to train for MMA, her new challenge. You would think she wouldn’t box again but don’t tell her that.

She will return to the ring on September 8th to face Yamila Esther Reynoso for the vacant WBO Junior Welterweight Title. It will be an opportunity to win a title in her sixth division.

Here’s the thing. Her last bout was at super bantamweight, she will be moving up a whopping four divisions!

She’s already great and has achieved greatness in the ring, this is about enhancing her legacy. She’s already cemented her name in the history books, this about adding another chapter to what’s already a great story. She doesn’t get the attention of her male counterparts, not even close to receiving the the same amount of money.

This is about someone that gets in the ring because she loves it.

She has earned all the success she has had, she works hard and is constantly in the gym. She pushes herself and the ones that do, usually do great things. Her idol is Miguel Cotto who has held belts in four different divisions, she’s already surpassed that and looks to add to her lead.

She has an illustrious nine year career but she’s not done yet.

She will be chasing history once again, come September 8th but don’t think she’s done yet! She has dared to be great and achieved it.

What’s next after September 8th? What bout her stepping back into cage? That’s the game plan she has publicly spoke about, that’s not just about being great, that’s pushing to do great things.

by https://fightzonenews.com/amanda-serrano-a-great-daring-to-be-greater/

SHOWTIME Sports will live-stream Serrano vs. Reynoso as part of undercard coverage on the network’s social media platforms. SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING COUNTDOWN begins live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel and SHOWTIME Boxing Facebook page. The live stream precedes a three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, SHOWTIME) headlined by Danny Garcia vs. Shawn Porter for the welterweight world championship.

Photo by Tom Casino / Showtime

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Puerto Ricans Jeyvier Cintron and Luis “Popeye” Lebron showed part of their training for their important matches on Saturday, September 1, in the return of the series “Sabado de Campeones en Casino Metro Boxing Nights”, which will be held in the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino in San Juan, in a presentation of PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP), to be broadcast on Wapa Deportes.

The fighters held a training for the media this afternoon at the Félix Pagán Pintor Gym in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, en route to their Saturday bouts.

The two-time Olympian Cintron (7-0, 4 kos), who has just been crowned last month as WBO Youth champion at 118 pounds, will fight for the first time as a professional at 115 pounds when he faces Mexican Francisco Alonso Melendez (15-2, 13 kos) for the vacant WBO Latino title in that weight. Cintron is confident to overcome the challenge.

“I had this opportunity to fight at 115 pounds and I accepted the challenge, it’s a weight I have not done for a long time, but I like challenges, things that are difficult,” Cintron said during training with former two time world champion Ivan “Iron Boy” Calderon. “Also, we go 10 rounds and that fills me with motivation to show what we’re made of.”

For his part, Popeye Lebron (12-0-1, 6 kos), who will defend his WBO Latino featherweight belt (126 pounds) against Chilean Robinson Laviñanza (13-4-2, 5 kos), said he is ready for the fight.

“The training has been strong, since we are classified in the WBO and we are aware of that, we have to be ready for any kind of combat, we are going to show that we can be in that ranking”, said Lebron, ranked #12 by the WBO at 126 pounds.

In other matches of the show, Henry “Moncho” Lebron (5-0, 4 kos) will face Mexican Luis Gerardo Avila (6-11-3, 4 kos) in a six rounds bout at 130 pounds, while Luis Melendez (2-0, 2 kos), from Miami, Florida, will face Elliot de Jesus (1-2) in a four rounds scheduled fight at 126 pounds.

The program will also feature several amateur boxing fights.

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The World Boxing Organization (WBO) announced the officials for two WBO World title bouts to be held this Saturday, August 25th in Arizona.

In the main event, WBO Lightweight (135 lbs) World Champion Raymundo Beltrán, from México, will face WBO ranked number two José Pedraza, from Puerto Rico.

For this bout, which will headline the card presented by Top Rank from the Gila River Arena in Glendale, the referee will be Tony Weeks, from the United States.

Arizona’s Rubin Taylor, as well as Lisa Giampa and Robert Hoyle, both from Nevada, were appointed judges for the bout. The WBO Supervisor will be WBO President Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, Esq.

For Beltrán (35-7-1, 21 KOs), it will be his first defense of the title he won by beating WBO Africa Lightweight titlist Paulus Moses via unanimous decision. On his part, Pedraza (24-1, 12 KOs) is looking to be crowned a two division World Champion with a victory over Beltrán. He previously held a title as a Junior Lightweight (130 lbs).

In the co-main event of the evening, WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion Isaac Dogboe, from Ghana, will battle WBO ranked number six Hidenori Otake (31-2-3, 14 KOs), from Japan.

For this bout, the referee will be Chris Flores, from the United States.

Illinois’s Patrick Morley, Texas’s Javier Álvarez and Connecticut’s Glenn Feldman were appointed judges for the bout. The WBO Supervisor will be WBO Vice-President North America/Chairman of North American Boxing Organization Richard de Cuir.

For Dogboe (19-0, 13 KOs), it will be his first defense of the title he won by defeating former WBO World Champion Jessie Magdaleno by 11-round knockout.

Beltrán-Pedraza and Dogboe-Otake will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10:30 p.m. ET, with undercard action streaming live beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET. on ESPN+ — the recently-launched multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.

Photo by Mikey Williams

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Unbeaten Jeyvier Cintrón and Luis “Popeye” Lebrón already have opponents for their WBO Latino bouts in the return of the series “Sabado de Campeones in Casino Metro Boxing Nights” to be held on Saturday, September 1, in the San Juan Ballroom of the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino in San Juan, in a presentation of PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP), which will be broadcast by Wapa Deportes.

In only his eighth fight as a professional, Cintrón (7-0, 4 KOs), twice (2012 and 2016) a Puerto Rican Olympian and signed by Top Rank, will face Mexican Alonzo Melendez (15-2, 13 KOs) for the vacant WBO Latino Junior Bantanweight title in a 10 rounds scheduled bout.

It will be the second fight in Puerto Rico for Cintrón, who has defeated Venezuela’s Gregory Vera last month to win the WBO Youth belt at 118 pounds. The match against Meléndez will also be the sixth of 2018 for Cintrón.

Meanwhile, Popeye Lebrón (12-0-1, 6 KOs) will defend his WBO Latino title at 126 pounds against Chilean Robinson Laviñanza (13-4-2, 5 KOs).

For Lebrón, it will be the second defense of the title he won in April against Luis Ruiz and defended in July against Milner Marcano in Colombia. Lebrón is ranked #12 by the WBO in the featherweight division.

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CIDRA, P.R. – José “Sniper” Pedraza already knows how it feels to have a world title in his hands. Now, the former world champion guarantees he will experience that sensation again on Aug. 25 at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

On that night, Pedraza (24-1, 12 KOs) will challenge WBO Lightweight champion Ray Beltran (35-7-1, 21 KOs) in the main event of an ESPN-televised card.

Pedraza, who will depart for Las Vegas on Saturday to finish training camp, worked out for the Puerto Rican media Wednesday afternoon. This is what he had to say.

About his world title fight: “I feel very motivated, and I know I will have a great fight against Ray Beltran. He is a strong fighter who always leaves everything in the ring and battled for a long time until becoming a world champion. I know that this will be a classic war between Mexico and Puerto Rico.”

On what fans can expect from him on Aug. 25: “Fans can expect great boxing skills and a great victory from myself. I am focused on my career and on this fight. On Aug. 25, Puerto Rico will have a new world champion.”

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Beltran-Pedraza, the Isaac Dogboe-Hidenori Otake WBO junior featherweight title bout, and Mikaela Mayer vs. Edina Kiss will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 10:30 p.m. ET, with undercard action streaming live beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET. on ESPN+ — the recently-launched multi-sport, direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service from The Walt Disney Company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment in conjunction with ESPN.

Tickets to this world championship doubleheader, priced at $125, $75, $50, and $25, not including applicable fees, are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at the Gila River Arena Box Office, by phone at 800.745.3000, or online at www.gilariverarena.com.

For more information visit: www.toprank.com, www.espn.com/boxing; Facebook: facebook.com/trboxing,facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/espndeportes; Twitter: twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, @ESPN @ESPNBoxeo, @ESPNDeportes.

Use the hashtags #BeltranPedraza, #DogboeOtake, and #MayerKiss to join the conversation on social media.

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