Erika Cruz (14-1, 3 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico defended her WBA Featherweight World Championship against Melissa Esquivel (12-2-1, 4 KOs) of El Dorado, Sinaloa, Mexico at the International Convention Center in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico and live globally on DAZN. After 10 rounds of exciting action, Cruz won via split decision as one judge scored the fight 97-93 for Esquivel, while two others scored it 97-93 and 98-92 for Cruz.
The event was presented by Matchroom and DAZN in association with Canelo Promotions and Clase y Talento.
“I am happy to retain my title,” said Cruz. “Maybe I feel a bit unhappy too because she confused me a bit in there. However, I think the decision was fair. I would have also accepted a draw, but I definitely did not lose. I think the most powerful and effective blows were mine. In the future I would like to fight for the featherweight titles that Amanda Serrano has, but that is in the long term.”
In the co-main event, Angel Fierro (19-1, 14 KOs) of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico impressively defended his WBO Super Featherweight Title with a TKO victory at 2:08 of the fourth round against Cristian Bielma (18-4-1, 7 KOs) of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico.
Aaron Silva (7-0, 6 KOs) of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico and Raul Salomon (8-0, 8 KOs) of Long Beach, California stole the show tonight by delivering a great fight between undefeated super middleweight prospects. Silva won by unanimous decision with the following cards: 77-75, 78-73 and 77-74.
Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela (25-2-1, 15 KOs) of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico defeated Juan Jimenez (30-21-3, 20 KOs) of Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico via stoppage at 1:59 of the first round in a super lightweight bout.
Christian Alan Gomez (22-2-1, 20 KOs) of Guadalajara, Jalisco, México beat Javier Franco (35-21-6, 16 KOs) of Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico via technical knockout at 1:08 of the third round in a welterweight bout.
Victor De Jesus (13-1, 5 KOs) of Nicolas Romero, Mexico, Mexico scored an upset split decision victory against Ruben Vega (19-0-1, 10 KOs) of Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico in an eight-round super bantamweight fight. One judge scored the fight 76-75 for Vega, which was overruled by scores of 76-75 and 78-75 for the winner.
Jesus Arechiga (14-0, 10 KOs) of Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico defeated Jose Juan Morales (8-4, 7 KOs) of San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico via technical knockout in a featherweight battle. The time of the stoppage was :10 of the first round.
Jimmy Brenes (1-0, 1 KO) of Masaya, Nicaragua made a successful pro debut by scoring a first-round knockout victory against Herbert Cruz Lopez (0-1) of Merida, Yucatan, Mexico in a welterweight contest. Brenes halted matters at 1:20 of the aforementioned round.
Fabian Gonzalez (7-3, 1 KO) of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico defeated Jorge Jair Mejia (5-2, 2 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico via unanimous decision in a bantamweight fight. Gonzalez won with three scores of 39-37. Photo credits: Matchroom Boxing
Aussie believes he has the tools to rip belts from the championGeorge Kambosos Jr.believes yesterday’s fracas between Teofimo Lopez’s father and his father shows the champion’s team is full of ‘nervous energy’ ahead of their clash for Lopez’s IBF, WBO, WBA, WBC Franchise & Ring Magazine World Lightweight titles, at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, live worldwide on DAZN.
Kambosos Jr. (19-0 10 KOs) and Lopez (16-0 12 KOs) have been itching to get in the ring and end the long-running saga over their clash, which has been cancelled twice since being called with the Australian landing the IBF mandatory spot with victory in London over Lee Selby in October 2020.
Challenger and champion attended the media workout in New York yesterday, and as their paths crossed in the new Church Street Boxing Gym location near MSG, the teams clashed as the tensions rose between the camps.
Kambosos Jr. and Lopez were bystanders as the teams clashed, and the 28 year old is all business as he looks to rip the titles from ‘The Takeover’ in Lopez’s backyard.
“He’s got a lot of nervous energy and fear,” said Kambosos Jr. “His Dad got put in his place, he knows we don’t play around, we’re here ready to fight, ready for war, and he tucked his tail between his legs and that’s what’s going to happen on Saturday night.
“If they want to get it on my Dad is here too. We all saw it, what can you do? He was lucky that my Dad didn’t really unleash, or he would have not been in his corner on Saturday. If Eddie Hearn and Matchroom pay enough for the old fellas to go at it, maybe we’ll see it!
“This isn’t personal for me. Whatever delusional story he has in his head when he wasn’t even there on June 19, they’re just lying to him and telling him what he wants to hear. I am focused, even with what happened with our Dads, it’s forgotten, there’s no emotion for me, I am here to do a job.
“He’s coming to KO me early? No problem. That’s what I want to do. Victory by any means though, it would mean the world, all the sacrifice and hard work I’ve had to make, that’s what will make this special. It’s for my kids and the people around me, the belts are for them.
“I don’t think about what’s next. Ask Lopez, he thinks one million steps ahead. I’m focused only on him. We’ll see if Josh Taylor gives him a fight without him having any belts and coming off a loss to the Aussie.
“People say it’s been a long camp, but I am always in the gym, always training and preparing. I live in the gym, and I don’t take a day off, so this has just been like every day, I stay focused and retain the tunnel vision. When you are fighting for all the marbles, are you going to take your foot off the pedal? No. I’ve been very patient and we’re here now.
“I’ve got a very smart team and I am very smart at what I do. It’s not my first rodeo, I’ve been in the big fights, I’ve earned this the hard way. But we’re ready, and we’re clever, and the preparation has been great; there’s no burn out or weight issues, nothing, no emotion, just coming here to win the fight and be a real champion.”
Kambosos and Lopez clash on a huge night of action in New York, with chief support provided by the battle for the vacant IBF World Super-Featherweight title between Azinga Fuzile(15-1 9 KOs) and Kenichi Ogawa (25-1-1 28 KOs).
Raymond Ford (9-0-1 5 KOs) clashes with Felix Caraballo (13-3-2 9 KOs) over ten rounds, Reshat Mati (11-0 7 KOs) fights on home turf against Nicholas Pablo Demario(15-5-3 9 KOs) over eight rounds, Chinese Heavyweight Zhilei Zhang (22-0-1 17 KOs) takes on Craig Lewis(14-4-1 8 KOs) over eight rounds, Ramla Ali (3-0) makes it back to back fights in America in a six rounder against Isela Vera (1-0) and there’s a second female fight on the card with New York’s own Christina Cruz (1-0) meets Maryguenn Vellinga (3-1-2 2 KOs) over four rounds.
Davie, Florida – Welterweight puncher Matteo “Cyborg” Papa (7-0, 5 KO’s) from Miami, Florida way of Varese, Lombardia, Italy. Currently training at the Centeno’s Sweatbox Gym in Davie, Florida.
Papa a boxer-puncher signed with Mayweather Promotions steps on the gas in camp.
Matteo Papa Q&A:
How is training camp going in Florida?
“I began camp in Vegas in September training at Mayweather Boxing Club and transition to Florida for a few weeks taking advantage of the weather and some high level sparring joining a few other camps down here.”
Signed with Mayweather Promotions what are your thoughts?
“It’s a honor to be on a world top class promotions and be part of TMT. I’ve trained along side Floyd in a few occasions and even get to spar with him and acquire knowledge and skills that I’ve been using on the ring and in personal life, I can’t wait to fight.”
Preparing for a fight how important is the preparation for you?
“I stay ready all year round so I don’t have to get ready. Preparation is key.”
You have trained in Las Vegas very hard is there a difference training in Florida?
“I always go hard and the most important element for me is to have a great coach to work with, and it’s bigger than just boxing.”
Making weight how are you feeling and are you right now at fight weight?
“I take nutrition very seriously, it’s a lifestyle for me to eat healthy and clean, I love to cook and prepare all my meals. I feel comfortable to make my weight.”
Davie, FL – Junior Middleweight Xander Zayas is a hard-hitting well schooled box-fighter of considerable potential and yes he’s 19 years old.
Zayas is very strong, hard hitting with both hands, has an extremely solid jab, and is stylistically versatile. Zayas moves well and knows how to cut off the ring, cleanly this young man possesses a refined range of skills, and is particularly impressive as a combination puncher.
The center focus of a high level training camp at the Centeno’s Sweatbox Gym in Davie, Florida. Zayas extremely focused and set to make his return to the ring at the greatest story telling building Madison Square Garden in the greatest city in the world New York City on December 11th.
@lomachenkovasiliy 🆚 @richardcommey
Three-weight kingpin Vasiliy Lomachenko is coming back to NYC against Richard Commey in a 12-Round Lightweight showdown at Madison Square Garden.
Paul and Fury Put Their Undefeated Pro Boxing Records on the Line Saturday, December 18 Live on SHOWTIME PPV® at AMALIE Arena in Tampa, Fla.
TAMPA – International superstar Jake “The Problem Child” Paul met with the media at a press event Monday at AMALIE Arena in Tampa ahead of his showdown with U.K. reality TV starTommy “TNT” Fury. The two professional boxers will put their undefeated records on the line in the main event of a SHOWTIME PPV event live from AMALIE Arena on Saturday, December 18.
Also appearing at Monday’s event was seven-division world champion and current unified featherweight champion Amanda Serrano, who will face 135-pound titleholder Miriam Gutiérrez in the co-feature of the SHOWTIME PPV event. Tommy Fury and his older brother, WBC Heavyweight World Champion Tyson, appeared virtually at Monday’s event.
Jake Paul
“I was a young kid in Los Angeles just getting caught up in the wrong things and surrounded by the wrong group of people and boxing gave me the chance to take my life back and the follow a routine and to have a purpose. It gave me something to fight for. I wasn’t meant for L.A., although I thought I was.
“Tommy claims to have been doing this his whole life and he’s had this amateur career, and he’s been around it and that is true, but he hasn’t worked as hard as me. I see a green guy who hasn’t sparred enough times and who has only been put in there with opponents that were meant to lose. This is his first real test where his opponent just doesn’t flop over. You’re going to see that. You’re going to see a fighter who is a virgin, in my opinion. He has no idea what he’s getting himself into. This is his first time under the big lights and on the big stage, and he’s going to crack under the pressure.
“Just the fact that Amanda Serrano is the G-W-O-A-T, the greatest woman of all time. There’s no debating that. I like to work with people who are cool and Amanda and I just clicked from day one. She needs to be put on a bigger platform and that’s where Most Valuable Promotions comes in. She’s a star and she’s got the record and all the accolades. You hear it all the time, the best boxer in the world who isn’t getting paid or isn’t as big a star as they should be. So that’s the formula that I’ve figured out and I’ve developed. The marketing, the content, the branding, the entertainment side. And that’s what we hope to give to Amanda Serrano and other boxers alike. We want to elevate this sport as much as possible and bring more eyeballs to the best, and that’s exactly what Amanda Serrano is. The potential is huge. We are already eyeing, in 2022, the biggest women’s boxing match of all time with Amanda Serrano versus Katie Taylor and we’ve been working with Eddie Hearn to get that done.
“Tommy Fury hasn’t been tested. We will see how he responds and I think that’s the beautiful thing about this fight, it’s the unknown. Is he actually a Fury, or will we find out if he’s just a half-Fury? Does he have the heart like his brother or is he just living in the shadow of his brother? This is also my first time fighting a real quote-unquote boxer. Whatever that means. He’s undefeated, same height, same weight so it’s really a perfect matchup and we’re really going to see who worked harder, who wants it more and who has that dog inside of him.
“I will TKO him in the later rounds. He hasn’t had a fight past four rounds so I think he’ll be gassed. I think this will be the first time he’s getting punched in the face by someone who can actually hit and is the same weight as him. He’s always fought smaller guys with losing records. So I think he’s going to fade. I know he’s going to fade. It’s just what round? Fifth? Sixth? Seventh? Maybe I knock him out in the last 10 seconds of the eighth. But he’s not hearing that eighth bell ring. I’ve got $500,000 on the line, and when he loses, he has to change his name to Tommy Fumbles. He accepted it, so we’ll see what happens.
“It was my first real test that I passed. A UFC Champion who dominated the UFC with his big overhand right. He hit me with a shot in the fourth round that was nothing. I ate it very easily and kept moving. I found a way to win and passed my first test in my fourth professional fight. Nobody from Muhammad Ali to Mike Tyson to Floyd Mayweather was testing themselves as much as I was in my fourth fight. I learned a lot about myself and what I’m capable of and performing under pressure. I look forward to bringing that experience to my next fight.
“With every fight, I’m giving the people what they want. What they wanted was for me to fight a real boxer. That’s what everybody kept saying. So here is a real boxer who is the same height, same age, same reach, a better record than me and who has been boxing his entire life. His brother is the heavyweight champion of the world. He has a legendary name, he has the following, he has the star power. It’s the perfect fight. When I knock out Tommy Fury on December 18 right here at AMALIE Arena, there will be nothing left to say. All the media, all the people who have constantly doubted me and said I’m bad for boxing, I’m going to shut you all up and you will put respect on my name after I beat this kid.
“Tyron Woodley was an unorthodox fighter. MMA guys come in with different types of striking. When I fight a boxer, it’s going to be more of a chess match. More strategic. We’re going to be thinking a lot more in the ring. Woodley just came out throwing overhand rights. We have a gameplan and we’ll be sticking to it. But I see a guy that’s green. He doesn’t have head movement. He can’t fight going backwards. He’s stiff. He’s rigid. He has fast hands and he has good combinations but we’re taking all of that away and there’s not going to be anything left for him to do.
“This kid’s chin has never been tested. He’s only been put in with opponents that were meant to lose. I’ve never done that. All my fights were stepping into the unknown. For him, this is the first fight where the opponent isn’t just put in there to lose. On the biggest stage possible, in front of all these people, this young man will crack. He’s not battle-tested like me. He hasn’t lived the life that I have. He’s had a silver spoon in his mouth his whole entire life. He’s doing this because his brother does it. Because his dad told him to do it. This isn’t something he wants to do. If it was up to him, he’d be an Abercrombie & Fitch model.”
Amanda Serrano
“Hard work, dedication and sacrifice is what has gotten me to this point. Greatness requires sacrifice and I’ve sacrificed my whole life from 18 years old until now. It’s just been boxing, boxing, boxing. Nothing can happen without a great team behind you and that’s what I have.
“I’m the featherweight champion and I’m taking a risk by moving up in weight. In women’s boxing, we have to go to where the opportunities are and I want to be able to do things that not every girl can do. And that’s win multiple divisions in different ways from 140 all the way down to 115. I know that if my record is ever broken, which I don’t think it will, it won’t be done the way that I did it.
“It feels awesome to be fighting in Tampa. Why not fight in the city of champions? We have the Lightning and the Buccaneers so I’m super honored to be here and fighting in Tampa. I just have to live up the name ‘The City of Champions’ and that’s what I’m going to do.
“Fighting on SHOWTIME pay-per-view is always a great opportunity. I just want to go out and prove that females can fight. No matter where you put us, we’re going to put on a show and we’re going to look good doing it.
“My career has definitely changed since signing with Jake Paul. I’ve gotten a lot more fans. A lot more followers, due to Jake Paul. It’s just something different. I’m so into boxing and I’ve never really done anything outside of boxing. I’ve dedicated my whole life to it so being under the lights and on social media is something different for me but I’m continuing to learn about it and I can learn a lot from Jake Paul. He’s done a lot of amazing things with his platform and I hope one day I can be half as good as he is.”
Tommy Fury
“You fought a 40-year-old guy in your last fight. He hit you with one proper punch and you fell through the ropes. When I come for you, I’m knocking you spark out. You fought retired UFC people, a basketball player and that’s it. When you fight me December 18, you’re getting knocked spark out. This is a step too far for you. Stick to YouTube because that’s all you’re good for. I’m going to show you what losing feels like.
“I feel like I’ve won the lottery. You’re asking me to fight on a massive world stage, you’re going to pay me nicely, and all I’ve got to do is fight Jake Paul. A YouTuber. I’m going to splatter him December 18. I’ve won the lottery. I’m begging Jake Paul, please do not pull out. Because normally, when we get to this stage in boxing, you’ve got to fight for a world title. But I’m fighting a YouTuber! Sign me up.
“I took this away from his fight with Tyron Woodley. The man got a split-decision win. That means you only just won against a 40-year-old retired UFC fighter. My god, well done. Good job, mate. You just about beat a 40-year-old man. When you get in there with a fresh 22-year-old whose been doing this all his life, you’re going to wish you stuck to paying UFC fighters off and basketball players. You should have gone and fought Tiger Woods, not somebody who has done it his whole life because you’re in for a big shock. You’re the one who is going to crumble.
“When you’re getting hit all over the face and your nose and ears are busted, you’re going to look at BJ Flores and think, ‘What have I done here? I shouldn’t have called him out. Pull me out!’ I’m begging you, please don’t retire on the stool. Come out and fight like a man. I wish the fight was tomorrow.
“Everybody keeps talking about the pressure. All the people in the arena. I don’t care about that. There’s only one man I care about that night. I’m not taking in the crowd or any of that. I’m coming over to Tampa Bay to do a demolition job and please the whole wide world. It doesn’t matter how much pressure is on me. There’s been pressure on me from the start and just because there are a few more people there and a few more lights, I won’t crack. Believe you me. It’s in my blood and I’m going to go out there and shut this guy up for everybody in the world that’s asking for it. This was a step too far and I’m going to prove that on December 18.”
Las Vegas, NV. – Boxing’s King Saul “Canelo” Álvarez (57-1-2, 39 KOs) scored an 11th round KO at 1:05 seconds over IBF champion Caleb “Sweethands” Plant (21-1, 12 KOs) to unify the WBC/WBA/IBF/WBO super middleweight titles on Saturday night in front of a sold out crowd 16,586 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Canelo Alvarez Post Fight:
“It hasn’t been easy to get to this point, but with your support, my family and my team we’ve gotten really far. This is for everybody, especially for Mexico. This is another one for our team. We did it tonight.
“This means so much for the history of Mexico to become an undisputed champion. There are only six undisputed champions in history. It keeps me happy and very motivated to be one of the six.
“Caleb is a good fighter. I have a lot of respect for Caleb Plant. He was a difficult opponent with a lot of ability and I do respect him. We are both men at the end of the day. He wanted to fight me and still continue. I told him there’s no shame. We had a great fight tonight.
“He was making the fight pretty difficult, but Eddy told me to just stick to the gameplan in the last two rounds. In the end, I got him. That’s the way it had to finish. He was already hurt and I went for the kill.”
Super Middleweight Anthony “The Dog” Dirrell (34-2-2, 25 KO’s) from Flint, MI. made a statement tonight by blasting Marcos “Madman”Hernandez (15-5-2, 3 KO’s) from Fresno, CA. with a perfect placed explosive uppercut that rocks Hernandez sending him to the canvas as referee Celestino Ruiz waves off the contest at the official time of :22 seconds of round four by way of TKO victory for Dirrell.
Featherweight Rey Vargas (25-0, 22 KO’s) scores a unanimous decision victory over Leonardo Baez (21-5, 12 KO’s).
Vargas doing what he can be keeping the distance hitting Baez with big shots controlling the pace of the fight.
Accidental headbutt early in round three. Leonardo Baez cut under the right eye.
Vargas maintained control throughout the fight judges scorecards were 99-91, 100-90, 100-90.
Elvis Rodriguez (12-1-1, 11 KO’s) from Santo Domingo stops Juan Pablo Romero (14-1, 9 KO’s) from San Francisco, CA. In five rounds.
Early action Rodriguez keeping good distance established a good jab Ramero cutting his distance throwing a lot of power punches baiting Rodriguez to the ropes.
Rodriguez explodes in round four catching Ramero with straight left hand that hurt Ramero dropping him to a knee, Ramero came back to finish the round on his feet.
Rodriguez crushes Ramero with a hard left hand sending Ramero down ending his night at the official time 2:59 seconds of round five as the referee reaches the count to ten.
Elvis Rodríguez Post Fight:
“I am fully aware that I started out slow in the first two rounds, but then I saw signs of wear and tear on his face and I gained the upper hand.
“Romero is a fast starter by nature, but I’m the other way around. Then I was able to straighten out.
“The division already knows who I am after having seen most of my fights. I suffered a little setback, but I think that everyone knows that Elvis Rodríguez brings powerful, quality punches in each fight.”
Rances “Kid Blast” Barthelemy (29-1-1, 15 KO’s) of Cuba scores a second round knockout at the official time 1:54 seconds over Gustavo “El Perrito”
Vitorri (25-7-1, 12 KO’s) of Argentina.
Super Featherweight Jose “El Gallo” Gomez (12-1, 5 KO’s) scores an eight round unanimous decision victory over Jose “Pepao” Antonio Meza (8-6, 2 KO). All three judges score the contest 76-75.
Super flyweight Fernando “Leoncito”
Diaz (10-1-1, 3 KO’s) of Riverside California scored a fifth round KO over Jan “Nito” Salvatierra (7-1, 3 KO’s) of Los Cabos, Mexico.
Velazquez (14-0-1, 9 KO’s) dominated Gilberto Mendoza (19-11-3, 10 KO’s) of San Francisco controlling the action in route to winning a eight round unanimous decision. Judges scorecards were 80-72, 80-72, 80-72.
San Juan, Puerto Rico: Unbeaten #8 WBO ranked Jr. welterweight Yomar “The Magic” Alamo(20-0-1, 12 KOs) of Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico has shined under the Telemundo bright lights for the past few years. He won the WBO Latino super lightweight along with the NABO title a little more than two years ago on the network. Alamo has since successfully defended that title 4 times, delivering as many thrilling fights for the hundred of thousands of TV viewers and in front of sell-out crowds at the Osceola Heritage Park Event Center. He truly has earned his world ranking and appears ready to take that next step up. Alamo is currently in full training mode for December. He has several offers for fights but he is waiting for his promotional company, All Star Boxing, Inc of Miami, to decide which one will benefit him the most. “I’m staying ready and in the gym. I am just 5 pounds over my weight limit. Hustle beats talent when talent does not hustle” said Yomar Alamo. Puerto Rico has delivered many talented fighters over the years, and Alamo seems ready to add to that list. He is just 26 years old but has shown a very high ring IQ in his performances. In addition, he has demonstrated the ability to box and slug it out successfully. The current WBO world champion at 140 is Josh Taylor, with various world-ranked contenders just above Alamo in the rankings. There appear to be several potential matchups for Alamo, who has shown in the ring that he is very confident in his abilities to succeed at the next level.
Kissimmee, Florida – Junior Middleweight Christopher Puryear (1-0) from Killeen, Texas scores a four round unanimous decision victory over Carlos Jiménez from Saltillo, Mexico.
Puryear did everything as expected in his four round fight, showing blistering quickness of foot and hand speed. Jiménez attempted to make a fire fight but fell short in the judges scorecards 39-36, 38-37, 39-36 in favor for Puryear.
All Star Boxing, Inc. Celebrating our 20th Anniversary in Kissimmee
El Clásico…Mexico vs. Puerto Rico
Victor Betancourt, Jr. vs. Miguel “El Gallo” Marrero will collide in a ten round WBA FEDECENTRO Lightweight Title fight
On Friday, October 29, 2021 at the Silver Spurs Arena – Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida. Live broadcast on Boxeo Telemundo at 12:00 A.M. / EST.
LATINBOXSPORTS.COM 