The Boxing Diary

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Saturday, September 26, 2015

Klitschko-Fury new schedule likely on November 28

The likely new date for the Klitschk0-Fury heavyweight fight will be on November 28. The official confirmation is expected next week.

It was reported on Friday, and later Klitschko confirmed from his Instagram post that he was forced to pull out the scheduled October title defense due to a 'minor injury.

Klitschko, 39, suffered an injury to his left calf while training on Thursday.

The postponement was not new to Fury, 27, who had three other scheduled fights in the past that were delayed. But this fight is very important for the UK fighter because a win would eventually put his name on the pound-for-pound list.

Tomasz Adamek dominates, stops Przemyslaw Saleta in Poland

 
Tomasz Adamek was simply too fast for the 47 years old Przemyslaw Saleta to catch up. Adamek was landing at will almost everything he threw on Saleta the entire fight. At the end of Round 5, Saleta's corner called the referee's attention and told them that he's unable to continue the fight.

Adamek (50-4, 30 KOs) was using the entire ring to frustrate the bigger but slower and older opponent. He was well ahead of the scorecards. Adamek, 38, was able to land crisp jabs and hard rights to the stalking Saleta while using the ring to his advantage.

It was a good decision on Saleta's part not to continue as he really doesn't have the steam to at least make the fight competitive. I think Saleta (44-8, 22 KOs) should hang the gloves for good before something bad will happen to his health and can no longer enjoy retirement.

Friday, September 25, 2015

Wladimir Klitschko pulls out title defense against Tyson Fury due to 'calf injury'

Following an entertaining press conference earlier, there's a report circulating around social media that Klitschko has pulled out from the scheduled October 24 fight against Tyson Fury due to 'calf injury.

This report has been circulating for a short while on social media but there's no official confirmation yet.

Update: Klitschko posted on his Instagram and confirmed that he will not be able to fight on October 24 due to an injury. The fight will be postponed to a date to be determined later.

Klitschko said that he suffered a 'minor injury' during Thursday's training sessions.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Donaire apologizes to UK boxing fans for not getting Quigg fight

Nonito "The Filipino Flash Donaire" went to social media to apologize to his UK fans for not getting the Scott Quigg fight done. The 32-year old fighter from California was gunning for a showdown with the undefeated Quigg after winning his last two bouts by knockout since moving back super bantamweight division.

Nicholas Walters defeated Donaire in the featherweight division in October last year.

Donaire said that Quigg and his team "decided not to sign [contract] after months of negotiations", but he's still hopeful that one day he'll fight in the UK.

I personally like the fight to happen especially if it will take place in Dubai. Both men have supporters in the Emirates. There were significant numbers of Filipinos and British ex-pats in Dubai. Apart from that, there's a direct flight from UK and Philippines going to Dubai. And of course, it is also one hour and 30 minutes flight from Kuwait, which I might have a chance to watch live.

Anyway, what's stunning also is that Quigg, according to Donaire, is not fighting rival Carl Frampton either. He said that Frampton is fighting Shingo Wake - another solid contender at super bantamweight.

In another report, promoter Eddie Hearn mentioned that the Frampton-Quigg fight is very close. But according to Niall Doran of Boxingnewsandviews.com, the fight is possible in 2016.


I want to apologize to my UK fans. I really did try to make the Quigg fight. I agreed to all the terms but when it...

Posted by Nonito Donaire Jr. on Thursday, September 24, 2015


Tyson "Batman" Fury


Tyson Fury surprised boxing fans and media present during the press conference of his fight with Vladimir Klitschko. The 27 year old fighter from Bolton came out dressed as Batman. Apart from his vaunted mouth power in trash talking this recent posterity stunt proved Fury indeed entertaining.

However Klitschko had a different assessment. He insisted that his challenger for his October 24 title defense is mentally ill. He branded Fury a "bipolar psychopath". 

But I think, Fury should not be treated like that. Fury did his thing to promote the fight. He's doing extra efforts which is not required. But it actually helped promote the fight. Otherwise yesterday's presscon will be just another presscon in boxing. If he keeps doing like that I would admire him, but not with his below the belt trash-talking.

Boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez reflects on the road to HBO on the anniversary of his exclusive deal with the network


LOS ANGELES (Sept. 24, 2015)-It was one year ago that Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya, HBO Sports President Ken Hershman, and Mexican superstar boxer Canelo Álvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) hosted a press conference in Los Angeles to announce a major new agreement granting HBO Sports exclusive rights to televise Canelo's fights in the U.S.

Canelo's road to HBO was paved by his perseverance and desire to become one of boxing's best. He has never shied away from fighting the toughest fighters in his quest for greatness, earning the respect of fans, media, and even his rivals. On May 9, 2015, Canelo made his first appearance on HBO Sports since announcing his exclusive deal with the network and secured an impressive victory over the dangerous James "Mandingo Warrior" Kirkland before a crowd of more than 31,000 screaming fans at Minute Maid Park in Houston. Canelo vs. Kirkland registered the highest viewership for an HBO World Championship Boxing event since 2006 generating an average of 2.1 million views for the live airing of the event.

"I am pleased to celebrate my first anniversary with HBO. HBO is my family, and I am glad to be home. Together, we will continue to make history. I look forward to celebrating many anniversaries together with all my family members at Golden Boy Promotions and HBO. I will continue producing the best possible fights for my fans and will blindly dedicate myself to my best performances every time," Canelo Álvarez said.

"The fans absolutely love Canelo. They are loyal and are the most passionate fans of any fighter in the sport of boxing today. Canelo's exciting fighting style keeps them coming back, and he works hard to not let them down, both inside and outside of the ring. HBO is the best network for boxing, hands down, so I knew it would be the right home for Canelo and the best way for his fans to see him in action," said Oscar De La Hoya.

"HBO Sports is thrilled to be the U.S. television home of Canelo Alvarez," said Ken Hershman, President of HBO Sports. "He is one of the sport's brightest superstars and our platform is ideally suited to maximize all of his goals and dreams. At only 25 years old he has so many incredibly exciting chapters ahead of him. We at HBO are looking forward to being an integral part of what will be a historic career."

Canelo is a knockout artist known for his tremendous power and durability against the toughest opponents in the ring who made his professional debut at 15-years-old and quickly became one of the most popular fighters in the sport. His fan base spread quickly in his home country of Mexico as his style captured and enthralled fans. His fan base exploded, crossing the border in to the U.S. and ultimately spreading around the world. Canelo's good looks and charisma outside the ring attracted a legion of fans from around the world rooting for him every step of the way on his journey to the top.

A former world champion, Canelo is eager to once again hold a title and will get the opportunity again on Saturday, Nov. 21 when he faces reigning WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto in a classic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry battle. The event will take place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View. The epic battle is being called by many the most anticipated fight of 2015 and will also mark Canelo's first Pay-Per-View appearance since his exclusive agreement with HBO.

For Canelo, this is still only the beginning. The way he sees it, the best is yet to come and the fans will be able to watch him every step of the way on HBO.

Look: Golovkin's photo pasted on Lemeiux mitts

I used to see fighters working on with a heavy bag that has a photo of their upcoming opponent pasted on it. But on mitts? It's something new. Two identical photos of Gennady Golovkin were pasted on David Lemeiux mitts. 

Lemieux will face Golovkin for a middleweight title unification on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Madison Square Garden.

Golovkin has not faced a fighter like me before - David Lemeiux

Middleweight titlist David Lemieux (34-2, 31 KOs) of Montreal, Quebec, Canada said that Golovkin has not faced a fighter like him before during a public media workout held at the historic Forum in Montreal today.

Lemieux is set to face middleweight multi-titlist Gennady "GGG" Golovkin (33-0, 30 KOs) in a highly anticipated title unification on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Madison Square Garden.
"Golovkin has not faced a fighter like me before. I am an aggressive fighter and I am confident in my abilities. I feel that I will be successful on Oct. 17." said Lemeiux.

If you're going to look at it, yes, Golovkin may have not faced a fighter like Lemeiux before. Lemieux is the type of fighter who really comes forward and throws hard punches. But the question there is: how durable he is when hit also by power punches coming forward?

We all knew that both fighters are capable of knocking opponents out. I think the difference is that Golovkin really has power in both hands capable of knocking anyone in the division with just one punch, but Lemieux overwhelms an opponent with series of punches wearing them down before stopping them.

This is a very exciting fight and is interesting to watch.

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

VIKTOR POSTOL MEDIA WORKOUT PHOTOS AND QUOTES

POSTOL SET TO FACE LUCAS MATTHYSSE ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 LIVE ON HBO AFTER DARK UNDER-CARD FIGHTERS ANTONIO OROZCO, MERCITO GESTA, JULIAN RAMIREZ AND NICK ARCE ALSO FEATURED AT WORKOUT


LOS ANGELES (Sept. 22, 2015) In preparation for his October 3 battle with Lucas "La Máquina" Matthysse (37-3, 34 KOs) for the vacant WBC World Super Lightweight Championship, Viktor "The Iceman" Postol (27-0, 11 KOs) hosted a Los Angeles media workout at Wild Card Gym with his trainer Freddie Roach on Monday, Sept. 21. Co-main event fighter Antonio "Relentless" Orozco (22-0-0, 15 KOs); and fighters features on the non-televised undercard: Mercito "No Mercy" Gesta (28-1-2, 16 KOs), Julian "El Camarón" Ramirez (14-0, 8 KOs), and Nick Arce (4-0, 4 KOs) also participated in the Los Angeles media workout at Wild Card Gym.

In the co-main event on Oct. 3, former three-division world champion Humberto "La Zorrita" Soto (65-8-2, 35 KOs) of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico will take on undefeated contender Antonio "Relentless" Orozco of San Diego, Calif. in a career defining 10-round super lightweight showdown.

Also on Oct. 3, undercard fighter and East Los Angeles legacy Julian "El Camarón" Ramirez will look to keep his undefeated record intact when he faces Mexican contender Hugo "Olímpico" Partida (20-5-2, 15 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight bout, and Los Angeles local sensation Nick Arce is scheduled to fight in a six-round featherweight bout. In addition, former world title contender Mercito Gesta will face three-time world title challenger Martin "El Brochas" Honorio (32-9-1, 16 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico, in a classic Philippines vs. Mexico 10-round lightweight bout.

Here is what the fighters had to say at the Los Angeles media workout about their upcoming fights on Oct. 3:

VIKTOR "THE ICEMAN" POSTOL, Number One Contender for the
Vacant WBC Super Lightweight Title and Former WBC International Super Lightweight Champion:

"I am about to face the strongest, most heavy handed fighter I have ever met in the ring. That is the reason I am at the Wild Card Gym with Freddie Roach. This is my third fight with Freddie. When I first walked into the Wild Card, I was struck by the smallness of it all-then I walked around and saw the pictures of fighters and champions. These are the fighters Freddie turned into champions. I saw the blood and sweat on the two rings. I now know the history of the greatest place in the world to train.

"Freddie never changed by style of fighting. Instead he made small important changes-a movement here and there, tweaking things. He and I are together when we go into the ring Oct. 3. We are prepared to fight. We will win."

FREDDIE ROACH, International Boxing Hall of Fame Trainer, Seven-Time Trainer of the Year Award Winner and Trainer of Viktor Postol:

"Postol doesn't know it yet but he's my new favorite fighter. He works very hard in the gym, does everything we ask and he can bring it. We can win this fight. It is a tough fight but I know we can win, and Postol knows we will win."

ANTONIO "RELENTLESS" OROZCO, Undefeated Super Lightweight Contender:

"It's a blessing to be fighting on this card on Oct. 3. I've worked hard my entire career and I think this is the stage that we've been looking for, to be in the undercard of such a big event with Matthysse vs. Postol.

"Fighting Humberto Soto means doors could open for me with my career, and this is what my team and I have worked for.

"Our priority is to win, whatever I have to do to win, whatever the fight calls for, we're willing to step up and get a win that night. I'm grateful for this opportunity; it's been a long time coming. I hope to be victorious on Oct. 3."

MERCITO "NO MERCY" GESTA, Former World Title Contender:

"This is a big opportunity to showcase my skills, my abilities at a big event because it will open up more opportunities for me. Of course, I have to do well in the ring that night. I'm excited and happy to be on the undercard for two of the biggest names in boxing.

"My strategy is to focus on staying on our technique for my opponent. Every opponent is different. I have changed my training focus accordingly since you need to adapt to their style. I need to focus and really follow what my team and me have been working on. Thank you to the boxing fans, particularly the Filipino fans, thanks for supporting me. I promise you an exciting fight for Oct. 3."

JULIAN "EL CAMARÓN" RAMIREZ, Top Featherweight Prospect:

"I'm a big fan of Matthysse so I am excited to fight on this undercard on Oct. 3. I know my opponent is a brawler so I've been working a lot on my boxing and if I have to brawl, then that's what I'll do.

"I'm ready to give the fans an exciting fight. I love the fans and they like to see brawls so I'm going to go in there and try to take the guy's head off."

NICK ARCE, Top Featherweight Prospect:

"I feel awesome to be on this great undercard of Matthysse vs. Postol. It's a big venue and it comes with a lot of pressure. At the same time, I don't let that pressure get to me. I don't let it bug me. I just stay focused on the game plan and listen to my corner and do what I do best.

"My game plan is to be smart in the ring and to focus-to be aware of everything my opponent throws and what I can come back with. I'm going to be open-minded and don't be afraid to do work in the ring."

Monday, September 21, 2015

wanted to leave them -- Marvin Sonsona

 

Another chance for a world title wasted.

Former world champion, Marvin Sonsona's fight with featherweight titlist, American Gary Russell Jr. has been canceled.

According to Philboxing report, Sosona failed to show up at his training camp in Cebu.

Promoter/matchmaker Sampson Lewkowics, who handles Sonsona, had to cancel the fight, which was scheduled this month.

“If he [Sonsona] had no proper training we don’t want the Philippines to look bad", Lewkowics told New Standard/boxingmirror.com.

I reached out to Sonsona to ask his comment regarding the cancellation of his fight, but the talented southpaw was reluctant to provide reasons as to why he was not able to return to training camp.

"Ayaw ko na din magsalita, gusto ko na ngang umalis sa kanila", Sonsona told SPB in Filipino (I don't want to talk about it, I even wanted to leave them) referring to his handler and promoter.

Sonsona (20-1-1, 15 KOs) also told that his contract with his handler will expire in 2017.

It was Gello-ani that guided the then 19-year-old Sonsona to become the Philippines' youngest boxing champion when Sonsona captured the super flyweight world title back in 2010 in Canada.

After early success in the sport of boxing, Sosona's career stalled after salvaging a draw against Alejandro Hernandez in his first title defense.

Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. also stopped, the then-undefeated, Sonsona in Round 4, when the Gensan native moved up in weight for the title fight at super bantamweight in 2010 -- which was his only fight that year.

Sonsona came back in October 2011 -- his only fight also in that year -- and registered a decision victory over Juan Carlos Jacobo.

Since his first defeat, Sonsona registered six consecutive victories, avenging his loss to Vazquez in a rematch and sensational one-punch knockout win over Akifumi Shimoda.

Sonsona's career seemed on the right track until this supposed to be a step-up fight with Russell was canceled due to seemingly unprofessional behavior.

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Former boxing champion Malcolm Tunacao stabbed multiple times

Former flyweight champion Malcolm Tunacao was allegedly hacked several times with a bolo by his live-in partner and sustained multiple stabbed wounds in the head and body at their home in Purok Tambis, Barangay Umapad. He's currently confined at Chong Hua Hospital in Cebu City and is conscious but still in very bad shape.

Tunacao's live-in partner, Jessica Grace Tiu, is now detained at the Mandaue City Police Station 5, who admitted the crime. Apparently, "jealousy" was likely the motive of the bloody crime.

Tunacao is one of my favorite boxers from Cebu. He's been my neighbor for two years when I relocated in Mandaue City from 1998 to 2000 to pursue my career as a merchant marine. During those years, Tunacao was the hottest attraction in Cebu. He fought a total of nine bouts between 1998 and 2000 capping it with a world flyweight championship in May 2009 in Japan -- his first fight outside his home country the Philippines.

Here in SPB, we are praying that he will survive the battle for his life, and for his speedy recovery. Keep punching champ!

Lucas Matthysse workout photos in Argentina

Lucas Matthysse workout photos in Argentina

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 15, 2015) - Former Interim WBC Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas "La Máquina" Matthysse (37-3, 34 KOs) hosted his first-ever Argentinian media work out on Monday, Sept. 14 ahead of his upcoming fight with former WBC International Super Lightweight Champion Viktor "The Iceman" Postol (27-0, 11 KOs). Matthysse showcased his boxing skills in a workout session open to the public and spoke to the media about his upcoming fight. Matthysse and Postol will square off for the vacant WBC World Super Lightweight Championship in a 12-round bout on October 3 at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

Photo Credit: Arano Box

Lucas Matthysse workout Photos in Argentina IMG-20150915-WA0008 IMG-20150915-WA0009 Lucas Lucas2

 

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Mayweather vs. Berto live blog

Floyd Mayweather Jr. retains the title he told he will relinquish after his fight against Manny Pacquiao in May, by dominating, as expected, against Andre Berto over twelve rounds of something not explosive yet amazing to see how Floyd put on a boxing clinic for a boxer he gave so much credit before the fight.

The official scores were: 117-111, 118-110 and 120-108 all for Mayweather for the unanimous win.

Stevenson knocks out Karpensy in Round 3

Adonis-Stevenson-e1428301695256

Light heavyweight titlist, Adonis Stevenson (27-1, 22KOs), did what was expected, and stopped challenger Tommy Karpency (25-5-1, 14KOs), in Round 3 of their light heavyweight match-up at the Rico Coliseum, Toronto, Canada on Friday.

Stevenson scored knockdown in rounds two and three and ultimately stopped the challenger in Round 3.

Friday, September 11, 2015

Álvarez re-signs multi-fight, multi-year contract extension with Golden Boy Promotions

Álvarez re-signs multi-fight, multi-year contract extension with Golden Boy Promotions


As 25-year-old sensation prepares for November 21 showdown with Miguel Cotto for lineal middleweight championship, Canelo and Golden Boy agree to continue pursuing the best fights for the fans long into the future.


LOS ANGELES (Sept. 11, 2015) - Golden Boy Promotions today announced that Mexican superstar and former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion
Canelo Álvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) has re-signed with the company, agreeing to a multi-fight, multi-year contract extension.

"I am loyal, it's part of my character and that's why I am extending my contract with Golden Boy Promotions,"said Álvarez. "Golden Boy Promotions knows how to build a fighter and elevate him to a world stage as they have done with me and continue to do with many others. I look forward to working with Golden Boy throughout my career."

Álvarez, a super welterweight knockout artist known for his tremendous punching power, made his pro debut in 2005 at 15-years-old and quickly became one of the most popular prizefighters in the world. His exciting fighting style and reputation for taking on all comers has captured the attention of fans all around the globe.

"Canelo Álvarez is no longer the future of the boxing - he is the present, and with a win on Nov. 21 against Miguel Cotto, he will solidify his status as the best in the business," said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "It has been a privilege to promote him during his meteoric rise, and we now look forward to many more highlights in a career already filled with many of them."

A former world champion, Canelo is eager to once again hold a title belt and will get his chance when he battles Miguel Cotto on Nov. 21 for Cotto's WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships. His record includes victories over some of the best fighters in the junior middleweight division including Austin "No Doubt" Trout, Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo, Sugar Shane Mosley, dangerous southpaw Erislandy Lara and most recently James "Mandingo Warrior" Kirkland. Canelo's lone blemish in 45 fights came in September 2013 against Floyd "Money" Mayweather in one of the highest grossing fights of all time, further cementing Canelo's stature as boxing's next superstar fighter.

Do you think Pacquiao deserves a rematch with Mayweather?

Do you think Pacquiao deserves a rematch with Mayweather?

Thomas Hauser reported on SB Nation that the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), the drug testing agency contracted by Mayweather and Pacquiao to oversee the drug testing of their May “Fight of the Century”, granted Floyd Mayweather a retroactive Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for a procedure, which is on the “Prohibited Substances and Methods List of World Anti-doping Agency (WADA).

According to the report, USADA agents found evidence that an IV was administered to Mayweather at his home in Las Vegas after the weigh-in for his fight with Manny Pacquiao in May. Floyd took a total of 750 milliliter mixture of saline and vitamins to aid his rehydration according to his medical team.

Pacquiao on the other hand was not allowed to use Toradol injection by the commission, although it was mentioned in the pre-fight medical questionnaire that they might need during the fight.

Toradol is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, not a banned substance by WADA.

Pacquiao’s request to use Toradol was denied by the commission because the request was not made in a timely manner, while Mayweather was allowed to use even if the procedure is prohibited. Floyd granted TUE 18 days after the fight. In other words: he was allowed to undergo a prohibited procedure under WADA by USADA and was granted exemption 18 days after the fight.

Moreover, even if USADA granted Floyd retroactive exemption – the exemption is null and void because USADA is not allowed to grant any exception or waiver. It is the NSAC has the sole authority to grant any TUE in the state of Nevada.

A bit of a back story because as we tend to have a very short memory


After waiting for five years, Mayweather vs Pacquiao finally happened in May, but the outcome really not worth the wait. The fight, although generated the biggest revenue the sport had ever seen---action-wise the fight was a flop.

The first line of excuse Pacquiao used why he lost the fight was the judges scoring.  Pacquiao believed he won the fight. “I think I won. He did nothing” Pacquiao said after the fight when he was interviewed by Max Kellerman after the fight.

Some boxing fans and few media believed though that the fight was closer than the judges’ verdict and could have been a draw or Pacquiao should have won the fight, but what was clear was that: Mayweather did what he used to do inside the ring, which is to play defense more than offense, limit the opponent’s strength and win on points.

While the Filipino boxing icon was not able to do what he’s supposed to do in the ring, which is to throw volume of punches, in and out movement with fast footwork and lightning combinations.

Then the second line excuse is that he has shoulder injury, and that NSAC did not allow him to inject Toradol, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which they mentioned in the pre-fight medical questionnaire.  Boxing fans were divided on the excuse. Some admired Pacquiao’s courage fight in there with torn rotator cuff. Some fans even filed case against Pacquiao for not disclosing that he had injury.

The aftermath


The lackluster fight really had backlash on both Pacquiao and Mayweather and in the sport of boxing in general. Mayweather was criticized for making the fight a snooze-fest rather than a slug-fest. Although the pre-fight hype really got traction and attention to casual fans, but the aftermath left some boxing fans really disgusted.

Pacquiao also had been criticized for not handling the recovery of his shoulder professionally. His longtime promoter, Bob Arum, lashed Pacquiao earlier for being "unprofessional” for not going to the US for his check-up and instead went to Malaysia and met compatriot Mary Jane Veloso who was convicted in Malaysia for drug related case.
Back to the IV report

My question is that why this report just came out? Why it did not came out earlier? Is this really delayed and was published lately so that it will spark interest on a Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch?

Thomas Hauser is HBO’s consultant. HBO is Pacquiao's network. Maybe it has something to do why this report now only came out?

However, even if the integrity of Hauser is in question, but this doesn't belie the fact that Mayweather underwent a prohibited procedure and USADA granted a TUE, which they are not supposed to give.

With the above being said, let’s go back to the title; Do you think Pacquiao deserves a rematch with Mayweather?

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Jason Sosa inks deal with Peltz Boxing and Top Rank

Jason Sosa inks deal with Peltz Boxing and Top Rank

Philadelphia, PA—Hard-hitting junior lightweight contender Jason Sosa, of Camden, NJ, has signed a new promotional agreement, this one with Peltz Boxing and Top Rank, Inc., as he prepares for his Oct. 2 fight with Jorge Pazos, of Guamuchil, Mexico, on Friday evening, Oct. 2, at the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia.

The 27-year-old Sosa also has moved into the No. 10 slot among 130-pounders, according to the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

“This is a big day for me,” said Sosa, who has knocked out his last 12 opponents. “This motivates me to do bigger and better things in my career as a professional boxer. I am more than happy and blessed to have signed a new agreement with Peltz Boxing and Top Rank. With that being said, I am very excited knowing I am ranked No.10 in the world.

A pro since 2009, Sosa is 17-1-3, 13 K0s, including the big one in his last fight, a first-round blowout of former world-title challenger Jerry Belmontes, of Corpus Christi, TX, on Aug. 15 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.

“I first did business with Bob Arum (Top Rank CEO) in 1974 when Bennie Briscoe fought Rodrigo Valdes in Monte Carlo,” said J Russell Peltz, president of Peltz Boxing, “and we always have worked well together. Top Rank is still at the top of their game and no one promotes Puerto Rican fighters better than they do. I’ve been working with Carl Moretti (Top Rank VP) on this deal for months.”

Top Rank has promoted Sosa’s last three fights—the K0s over Belmontes, Herbert Quartey, of Ghana, on April 25 in Guaynabo, PR, and over Santiago Bustos, of Spain, on June 13 in Madison Square Garden.
“With another year of development and continued exposure on our platforms, Jason and his explosive punching power will rise to the top of the already talent-rich junior lightweight and lightweight divisions,” said Moretti. “Signing him with our good friend Russell Peltz, who still today is one of the smartest boxing minds in the business, was a no-brainer. Welcome aboard, Jason; we look forward to promoting your career in the years to come.”

Sosa turned pro in 2009 after only three amateur fights—he lost two of them—and he has developed into a world-class fighter since teaming up with manager/trainer Raul “Chino” Rivas in 2012.
The Oct. 2 card, the first official one joining Top Rank with Peltz, is billed as the Puerto Rican Boxing Classic and the seven-bout program figures to attract a sold-out crowd.
From bantamweight Sixto Escobar, who became the first Puerto Rican world champion in 1935, to current title-holder Danny Garcia, of Philadelphia, Puerto Ricans have had a long and storied history in boxing.

Among area fighters looking to display their talents on the Oct. 2 card are local Puerto Rican fighters from Philadelphia and New Jersey. Many of them bring a loyal following to their fights.
In addition, invitations to attend and sign autographs will be sent to outstanding Puerto Rican fighters up and down the East Coast.
First fight is 7 pm.

About Oct. 2

The Inaugural Puerto Rican Boxing Classic, featuring seven bouts, begins at 7pm at the 2300 Arena at 2300 South Swanson Street in South Philadelphia. Doors open at 6 pm. The Oct. 2 event is being sponsored by Parx Casino, DonQ Rum, The Penthouse Club, Lyrics Lounge, Nationwide Auto Warranties and Cricket Wireless. The card will be streamed live by www.gofightlive.tv and on a delayed basis by Comcast SportsNet. Tickets are $50 and $75 and can be purchased by calling Peltz Boxing (215-765-0922) and Wanamaker’s Tickets (215-568-2400). Tickets also can be purchased online at www.peltzboxing.com and www.wanatix.com. The Oct. 2 card is promoted by Peltz Boxing, Top Rank, Joe Hand Promotions and BAM Boxing.

About Oct. 4

The Puerto Rican Day Parade is the Crown Jewel of the Puerto Rican Festival every year in Philadelphia. It is a showcase of Puerto Rican and Latin culture. The Parade begins Sunday morning, Oct. 4, at the Eakins Oval in center city and continues throughout the day along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with music, concerts and vendors selling their wares. City officials expect more than 5,000 people to attend. The Parade, one of the first of its kind to be televised, will be aired on ABC-TV locally and on Univision nationally.