Contender Josesito Lopez Steps In To Battle Victor Ortiz

Former NABF Super Lightweight Champion Josesito Lopez (29-4, 17 KO’s) of Riverside, California, will step in to face former World Champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz in the main event on Saturday, June 23 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California, live on SHOWTIME. Lopez is replacing Andre Berto who failed a pre-fight drug test. Also to be announced, number one rated WBC heavyweight contender Chris “The Nightmare” Arreola (35-2, 30 KO’s)of Riverside, California, will face an opponent to be named in the opening bout of the three-fight SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast.

Courage Campaign Celebrates Pacquiao Apology

The Courage Campaign, an online progressive organizing network with over 750,000 members, today celebrated boxer Manny Pacquiao’s apology to the LGBT community for his anti-gay remarks.  His apology came after the campaign mobilized a large, swift public response to the fighter’s statements.

“To the gay community, I apologize. I’m against same sex marriage, but I’m not condemning you. My favorite verse is ‘Love one another as you love yourself.  Love your neighbor.’  So, I love everybody!” stated Pacquiao in an interview on “Extra.”

Moreover, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. made the following statement on Twitter: “I stand behind President Obama and support gay marriage.  I’m an American citizen and I believe people should live their life the way they want.”

Courage Campaign Chair Rick Jacobs said, “Pacquiao came out for gay people. Mayweather came out for gay people and marriage.  We look forward to the day that Pacquiao will complete the journey that President Obama and so many others are on and realize that love is love — that marriage is civil and in no way affects one’s religious beliefs.  When public figures talk to their fans, and to all of us, about supporting gay people and same sex marriage, it’s is a huge victory.”

Golden Boy Promotions Signs World Champion Johan Perez And Former Amateur Star Julian Ramirez

The best roster in boxing added to its luster this week with Golden Boy Promotions’ signing of current WBA Interim Super Lightweight World Champion Johan Perez and unbeaten former amateur standout Julian Ramirez to multi-year promotional agreements.

“This is a big day for us and I’m proud to have these two boxers fighting for us now,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Boxing will never grow if we don’t keep cultivating new talent and in Johan and Julian, we’ve signed two fighters that you’re going to be hearing a lot about in the months and years to come.”

A 28-year-old native of Caracas, Venezuela, Johan Perez (15-0-1, 12 KO’s) turned professional in 2005 and rang up five consecutive knockout victories. Following a two-year layoff resulting from the lack of professional boxing events being promoted in Venezuela, he returned in 2009 and steam-rolled through all comers, with the only blemish on his record being a 2011 draw with 16-0 fellow prospect Alberto Mosquera. Along the way, Perez fought anyone, anywhere, with stops in Panama, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, England and Mexico garnering him a solid fanbase and the WBA Fedecentro and WBA Fedelatin super lightweight titles. In October of 2011, he stunned highly-regarded Kenny Galarza with a fourth round technical knockout victory and less than two months later, he won the WBA Interim Super Lightweight World Championship with a fourth round stoppage of Fernando Castaneda, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable future.

19-year-old Julian Ramirez (2-0, 2 KO’s) hails from Alhambra, Calif. and, as the nephew of the late, great Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez, this talented teenager undoubtedly has boxing in his blood. A long-time amateur standout, Ramirez compiled a record of 73-5 en route to racking up 10 tournament titles including four World Desert Showdown titles, four National PAL titles, one Junior Olympics Championship and the 2011 Mexico Games Championship. In February of this year, he made his professional debut with a first round knockout win over Javier Damien. Two months later, Salvador Cifuentes suffered the same fate, lasting just 80 seconds with the hard-hitting Ramirez, who has ‘star’ written all over him.

Both fighters’ first fights under the Golden Boy Promotions banner will be announced at a later date.

Results from Peñuelas, PR – Maysonet Shines Again

Promoted by Universal Promotions, Gary Shaw Productions and Warriors Boxing Promotions, Team Puerto Rico member Jorge “Machito” Maysonet ( 7-0, 6KO’s – 135lbs ) demolished Gabriel Díaz( 5-7, 1KO ) in one round.  After Díaz was dropped three times, the referee stopped the fight at the 1:26 mark.  A double right to the body and head sent Díaz’s to the canvas first.  The second knockdown was with a left hook to the body and the third one was with a solid right hand to Díaz’s face.

“It was a good result because I train to pressure my opponent using all kinds of combinations, and it ended in the first round but I will watch the fight again to correct my mistakes and improve more in every fight” said Jorge Maysonet.

In a war at the super lightweight division ( 140lbs ), underdog Samuel “Sammito” Santana ( 5-6, 1KO’s ) defeated Joshua “el macho” Santiago ( 7-1, 6KO’s ) by split decision.

The fight started strong for Santana but Santiago could handle the pressure using his jab. Surprisingly In the second round, Santana scored a knockdown that was a key factor in his victory. The remaining 4 rounds were very competitive were both have their moments. Both fighters were bleeding in the right eye. The fans in attendance were on his feet in the fight.

The judges scored 57-56, 57-56 for Santana and 57-56 for Santiago.

“At round two I didn’t get hit by Santana, it was a slip and it was called a knockdown and I knock him ( Santana ) in the fourth and was called a slip but I have to accept defeat and move foward” said Joshua Santiago.

“I told everybody that Joshua’s pro debut was tonight and I welcome him. Also my training went great” said Samuel Santana.

Also cruserweight Keith Tapia ( 5-0, 4KO’s ) defeated always tough, Juan Carlos Robles ( 12-5-1, 5KO’s ) from Virginia by unanimous decision. The scores were 60-54, 59-55 and 59-55.

“I feel great fighting on the distance and because of my opponent’s strength I fought smart and sweet. Happy Mother’s Day to all” said Tapia.

Superfeatherweight Miguel “el Gallo” Marrero ( 4-0, 2KO’s ) defeated Angel López ( 2-11, 2KO’s ) by TKO in the second round. The time of the stoppage was 2:47.

“I think I looked great. My opponent once he felt my power started running and his corner stopped the fight because I was giving him a beating” says Marrero.

Opening the telecast, Luis Rivera ( 1-2 ) scored a majority decision over José Torres ( 0-3 ). The scores were 39-37, 39-37 and 38-38 The fight was in the bantamweight division.

Debutant Víctor Galindo ( 1-0, 1KO’s – 135lbd ) scored a knockdown victory in the first round over Alberto González. The time was 2:21.

“Noche de Futuros Campeones” card was presented by Universal Promotions and televised by Puerto Rico Sports Network ( 3.1 – 6.2 ) and PRTV channel 6.

Universal Promotions announced his upcoming fight card to be held on Friday, June 15 at the Mario Quijote “Moráles” Coliseum in Guaynabo, PR. In action will be José “Sniper” Pedraza, Miguel “el gallo” Marrero, Joel “Joelo” Torres, Roberto Acevedo and more.

Mayweather-Cotto Registers 1.5 Million Pay-Per-View Buys

HBO Sports® reported today that 1.5 million pay-per-view buys were generated from the May 5 super welterweight title fight between Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.  The fight was promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions.

The 1.5 million buy total generated $94 million in pay-per-view revenue.

The performance of Mayweather-Cotto ranks as the second highest grossing non-heavyweight pay-per-view event in boxing history.   No. 1 all-time is Mayweather’s record-setting showdown with Oscar de la Hoya ($137 million) in 2007.

Mayweather owns a perfect 43-0 record as a professional prizefighter.

Mayweather vs. Cotto along with the co-feature of Alvarez vs. Mosley will replay exclusively on HBO Saturday, May 12 at 10:15 p.m. ET/ PT.

Get a Digital Copy of Mayweather MyMag Magazine Free!

Zinio, the largest collection of magazines available online, has published an exclusive interview with Mayweather following his weekend victory against Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas.

Featured in the latest Zinio weekly Magazine Minute interview on Zinio.com, Mayweather reveals his favorite magazine reads on as ESPN, Slam and Las Vegas Magazine, and that he always reads his Zinio magazines on his iPad.

In the lead up to the fight, Mayweather released his own MyMag issue, available exclusively on Zinio for only $2.99. MAYWEATHER is Las Vegas, and MYMAG is his wingman: the magazine invites fans to tag along on a private photo shoot, get the scoop on his tight friendship with 50 Cent and devour the amazing story of Sin City’s first integrated casino.

www.deporteawe.com will give-away 5 free digital copies of Mayweather MyMag. To get your free Digital Copy send an email with your name and last name to info@deporteawe.com, the first 5 will receive their free digital copy.


Lamont Peterson vs. Amir Khan II Cancelled

A failed pre-fight drug test administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), coupled with the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s (NSAC) legal inability to hold a formal hearing on the matter of licensing Lamont Peterson for his Saturday, May 19 rematch against Amir Khan until Tuesday, May 15, has forced the cancellation of the event.

Ticket refunds for “Peterson vs. Khan II” will be available at your point of purchase. Ticketmaster may be reached at (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com. Event ticket refunds for fans traveling from the United Kingdom are available at www.sportscorporation.com or by calling +44 (0)845 163 0845.


May is Mayweather!

Floyd Mayweather once again showed why he’s undefeated and with that he made the month of May the winningest month of his professional career. With a win over Miguel Cotto, Mayweather is now 7 and 0 during the month of May.

The fight went all 12 rounds and culminated in a unanimous decision win for Mayweather. The judges scored the fight 117-111, 117-111, and 118-110. Even though Cotto lost he gave Mayweather a ride for his money.

After the fight Mayweather said, “Miguel Cotto fought his ass off tonight and I want to congratulate him and his team.”

“I sensed that sometimes Miguel was breaking down and then he would come back sharp. Miguel Cotto is in shape. The right hook and the uppercut were working for me tonight. I had watched tapes of Shane Mosley [when he fought Cotto] and I saw that the right hook was working. And I also watch Zab Judah use the uppercut against him too. So I knew I was going to use those shots tonight,” Mayweather continued saying.

After the fight Cotto was not readily available for question and did not attend the post-fight news conference.

The Fights Before “The Fight”

On Friday, May 4, the night before the biggest boxing event of 2012, Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions will get things started in style at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas with a five-fight card featuring a talented array of fighters looking to steal the show from Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto before their Saturday mega-fight.

In the 10 round main event, which will be televised by Fox Sports Net and Fox Deportes in English and Spanish respectively, former World Champion Daniel Ponce De Leon (42-4, 35 KO’s) battles Juarez’ Eduardo “El Chucky” Lazcano (24-2, 11 KO’s) for the vacant WBC USNBC Super Featherweight Title.

In the televised co-feature, longtime contender and Las Vegas favorite Ishe “Sugar Shay” Smith (22-5, 10 KO’s) returns to the ring to face Albany, New York’s Ayi Bruce (21-6, 13 KO’s) in a 10 round junior middleweight contest.

De Leon vs. Lazcano and Smith vs. Bruce are presented by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona and DeWalt Tools. The Fox Sports Net and Fox Deportes bilingual simulcast, which will be available in over 50 million homes, will air live at 11:00 p.m. ET/8:00 p.m. PT.

The action in the ring won’t be all that will heat up viewers’ televisions as the two hour broadcast is set to include exclusive behind the scenes footage of the build-up to Mayweather vs. Cotto as well as special guests who will give their take on the action at The Joint as well as their predictions for the May 5 pay per view mega-fight.

Tickets, priced at $100, $60, $30, $25, along with a limited number of VIP suite seats priced at $125, may be purchased at the Hard Rock Hotel Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000.

In undercard action…

Orlando’s Daquan Arnett (2-0, 1 KO) is a former amateur standout making a solid name for himself as a professional, and he’ll attempt to win his third straight fight in a four round junior middleweight battle against Phoenix’ Jose Martell (2-1, 2 KO’s). One of Puerto Rico’s finest prospects will take to the ring the night before island icon Miguel Cotto faces Mayweather, when Caguas lightweight Jeffrey Fontanez(5-0, 5 KO’s) battles Las Vegas’ Rocco Espinoza(3-4) in a four round fight.

Opening the show is a women’s featherweight clash scheduled for eight rounds featuring one of Las Vegas’ fistic favorites in former World Champion Jessica Rakoczy (31-3, 11 KO’s) who returns to the ring for the first time since 2009 to face Denver’s Brittany Cruz (8-5-1, 1 KO).

“Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto” Weigh-In To Be Streamed Live Online

Fans around the world can witness Seven-Time and Five-Division World Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Miguel Cotto step on the scale before they step into the ring by watching the “Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto” official weigh-in live online on May 4 beginning at 5:45 p.m. ET/2:45 p.m. PT. Also weighing in on the live stream will be WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez, Six-Time and Three-Division World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley, welterweight rising star Jessie Vargas, former World Champion Steve Forbes, super welterweight contender DeAndre Latimore and former World Champion Carlos Quintana. Watch it live here on www.deporteawe.com.