JERMALL CHARLO VS. JOSEPH DE LOS SANTOS, JOSEPH DIAZ JR. VS. CARLOS RODRIGUEZ, ERROL SPENCE JR. VS. NOE BOLANOS ADDED TO DEC. 13 GOLDEN BOY LIVE! FOX SPORTS 1 AND FOX DEPORTES BROADCAST

The final Golden Boy Live! event of 2013 on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes will be one to remember, as a trio of spectacular matchups have been added to the televised portion of the Friday, Dec. 13 card at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif.

Already featuring "Riverside Rocky" Josesito Lopez against "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis in the main event and Francisco "El Bandido" Vargas facing Jerry "The Corpus Christi Kid" Belmontes as the co-main bout, boxing fans in the venue and watching live on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes will also see three more televised bouts, with unbeaten junior middleweight Jermall Charlo taking on Joseph De Los Santos, 2012 U.S. Olympian Joseph "JoJo" Diaz Jr. meeting Mexico's Carlos Rodriguez in a junior featherweight battle and Diaz' Olympic teammate Errol Spence Jr. putting his perfect professional record on the line against Noe Bolanos in junior middleweight action.  All three bouts are scheduled for eight rounds.

Also stepping into the ring for an exciting 10-round non-televised middleweight bout will be Coachella, Calif. favorite Angel Osuna and unbeaten Hugo "The Boss" Centeno Jr.  Plus, those in attendance will get an extra treat as popular heavyweight contender Chris "The Nightmare" Arreola, fresh off of his stunning first round knockout over Seth Mitchell in September at Fantasy Springs, will be on hand to sign autographs, take pictures and meet and greet fans.

Houston's Jermall Charlo (16-0, 12 KO's) cemented his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the junior middleweight division as he has gone 6-0 with six knockouts already in 2013, with finishes over notable foes such as Orlando Lora, Luis Hernandez and Antwone Smith.  The 23-year-old aims to close out the year with another furious finish.  A rugged veteran from the Dominican Republic, 36-year-old Joseph De Los Santos (16-12-3, 9 KO's) may have a few defeats on his record, but he has only been stopped once, making him a tough test for Charlo.  Plus, with wins in six of his last seven bouts, De Los Santos is proving himself to be a late bloomer primed to score the upset.

Twenty-one-year-old South El Monte native Joseph "JoJo" Diaz Jr. (8-1, 5 KO's) is on the fast track to big things in the 122-pound weight class and with six wins in 2013 alone, he's keeping the kind of busy schedule that makes world champions.  On Dec. 13, the 2012 U.S. Olympian hopes to score his fifth straight knockout when he takes on Los Mochis' Carlos Rodriguez (18-12-4, 10 KO's).  Rodriguez will be quite the challenge for the young Diaz and after winning six of his last eight fights, the 30-year-old has the momentum he needs to come up big at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino 

A highly decorated amateur who made it to the quarterfinals of the 2012 London Games, Desoto, Texas' Errol Spence Jr. (9-0, 7 KO's) has picked up plenty of frequent flyer miles in 2013, fighting in Florida, Nevada, California and Texas while putting seven more wins on his record.  A recent victor over unbeaten Emmanuel Lartey in October, the 23-year-old Spence is hungry for more W's.  Looking to put a "1" in Spence's loss column is Obregon, Mexico's veteran Noe Bolanos (25-8-1, 16 KO's).  The 27-year-old will be looking to make it two wins in a row on Dec. 13, following his eight-round win over Felipe Gonzalez in September.

Two of California's top prospects collide in a highly anticipated showdown, as 25-year-old Angel Osuna (11-3-1, 7 KO's) from Coachella takes on the young and undefeated 22-year-old Hugo "The Boss" Centeno Jr. (19-0, 10 KO's).  Osuna bounced back from a rocky start to his pro career to win his last seven bouts, five by knockout.  Centeno has yet to lose as a professional and he wants to end 2013 with an upset win to remember against the fan favorite Osuna.

Josesito Lopez, Joseph Diaz Jr., Julian Williams and Diego De La Hoya participated in a Los Angeles media workout yesterday.  Below please find the quotes and a link to the photos from the event. 

Josesito Lopez, Top Welterweight Contender

"I've been training hard and I always try to adjust to different styles.  That's why we bring in different sparring partners so the preparation is definitely there. 

"Everything is going great in camp.  The fight is only a few days away and I'm excited to be back.  I really appreciate all the fans and I'm glad to be fighting in Southern California.

"There are big things coming in 2014, but first things first and that's December 13 I'm expecting a tough fight and that's what I'm focused on.  I don't take anyone lightly and train like I'm the underdog."

Joseph Diaz Jr., Junior Featherweight Rising Star

[On his opponent]: "I know that Carlos Rodriguez is going to come and be aggressive to try to overwhelm me. 

"He [Rodriguez] may be my toughest opponent to date, but I'm ready for him.  I know that it will be a difficult fight because he's an experienced fighter, but I'm ready to give the fans a great show. 

"If the knockout comes, then it comes.  The knockouts I've gotten, I got with shots they weren't expecting.  I just like to take my time and have patience when I am in the ring."

Julian Ramirez, Undefeated Junior Featherweight Rising Star

"Me siento bien, estoy listo para el 13 de diciembre.  Me he preparado por 3 meses, entrené e hice spar con Yeyo Thompson y Jesse Roman, 10 rounds de sparring tres veces por semana así que me siento fuerte para salir con todo y para ganar."

Translation:

"I feel good.  I'm ready for December 13.  I've been preparing for three months and I trained and sparred with Yeyo Thompson and Jesse Roman.  I've sparred 10-rounds of sparring three times per week so I feel strong and I'm ready to give my everything to get the win."

Diego De La Hoya, Undefeated Junior Featherweight Rising Star 

"Estoy contento por esta pelea, por poder pelear en casa con mi gente y acercarme un poco mas a mi gran sueño de ser campeón.  Me he preparado bien, he trabajado duro en los entrenamientos con el mejor entrenador Joel De La Hoya y con algunos sparrings muy buenos.  Estoy contento por tener un gran equipo." 

Translation:

"I'm excited about this fight, being able to fight close to home getting a little closer to my dream of being a champion.

"I've prepared well.  I've worked hard during training with the best trainer Joel De La Hoya and with some really good sparring partners.  I'm happy about having a great team."

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights! and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment Sports and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

WBA Intercontinental Welterweight Champion Marcos "El Chino" Maidana, top rated welterweight contender Josesito Lopez and top rated super welterweight contenders Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo and Erislandy Lara will face off

Maidana vs. Lopez, a 12-round fight for Maidana's WBA Intercontinental Championship, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona.  The tripleheader will take place on Saturday, June 8 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. and will be televised live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The event can be heard in Spanish using secondary audio programming (SAP).  Maidana vs. Lopez is presented in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions.  Also featured will be a 12-round super welterweight showdown between all-action warrior Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo and top rated super welterweight contender Erislandy Lara and a 12-round fight between veteran Demetrius Hopkins and unbeaten phenom Jermell Charlo for Hopkins' USBA Junior Middleweight Championship and Charlo's WBC Continental Americas Super Welterweight Championship. Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).



♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Maidana vs. Lopez & Angulo vs. Lara Press Conference Quotes For June 8 Fights At The Home Depot Center, Live On Showtime‏

Maidana vs. Lopez, a 12-round fight for Maidana's WBA Intercontinental Championship will take place on Saturday, June 8 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, sponsored by Corona and AT&T and will be televised live on SHOWTIME  CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING beginning at 10p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.  Also featured will be a 12-round super welterweight showdown between all-action warrior Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo and number one rated WBC super welterweight contender Erislandy Lara.SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is available in Spanish on secondary audio programming (SAP).Maidana vs. Lopez is presented in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions.Preliminary fights will air on SHOWTIME Extreme at 8 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

MARCOS MAIDANA

"I know Josesito is a great fighter. I know he likes to stand and trade and fight. That's what I do and that's why it's going to be such an exciting fight.

"My plan is to go toe-to-toe. I don't know what Josesito is going to do, but that's what I plan to do. Pressure is the key to the fight.

"I'm feeling great. I've been in Oxnard, California for over a month already. I love training there. The weather is great and it's where my coach (Robert Garcia) is. It's going to be a great fight and I'm going to defend the honor of Argentina.

"The 147-pound division is where I feel best. I didn't feel that way at 140. Now I'm free and I can eat more. My body is different and you can see the definition."

JOSESITO LOPEZ

"When you're fighting a heavy puncher like Maidana, you have to be smart. The move up to 154 pounds helped me now that I'm back at 147. Now I feel I'm a true welterweight. I feel great in the gym; stronger and faster.

"I'm so excited about this fight and I'm the one receiving the punches. I can only imagine how excited the fans are. Years ago before I was at this level I thought, 'Man, this would be an exciting fight. I would love to get in there and bang with him.' Now we're here. It's a hell of a match-up. It could be the fight of the year.

"This is a fight I have to win. It's a fight that keeps me on the map. This is where I want to be and I'm working my ass off

"He's a strong puncher and I like to think I have a little punch myself. In the ring I just have to be smart whether it's defense on the inside or boxing on the outside. I have to be the smarter fighter and whatever works that's what I'm going to have to do

"We have to be smart and shoot our jab. We have to pick our spots and not let him. He's an inside fighter and he likes to bang. Well, I like to bang too. I've got to be in a position where I want to be, not where he wants me to be."

ALFREDO "EL PERRO" ANGULO

"This is my third fight after my time off and conditioning-wise I'm feeling like my old self, feeling like I used to feel. There's no doubt I'll be in better condition than I was for my last two fights. There was just too much time off. Now, I'm in a rhythm

"It's going to be a very good fight, the bull versus the matador. I have a lot of respect for Lara. He's a really good fighter and he wants to show he's the best, but he's going to have to come out and fight.

"He may think he's just going to box, but he's going to fight."

ERISLANDY LARA

"There's always a lot at stake when I fight, so I know I can't look ahead or take Angulo for granted. He is my total focus now. After I win on June 8; I can start thinking about a world title shot again.

"Angulo is a good fighter. I give him a lot of credit. He always comes to fight. I've worked very hard and am preparing for the best Angulo possible.

"The fact that I'm favored to win means nothing. Once the bell rings, it doesn't matter what the odds are. It's what you do in the ring that counts.

"Style-wise this is a perfect fight for me because Angulo likes to come forward. It's the classic boxer versus the puncher. I expect to put on a boxing clinic, so you can expect a smart fight from me.

"Obviously, the most important thing is for me to win, but I want to put on a great show for all the fans."

OSCAR DE LA HOYA

"We should have called this 'High Stakes' because you have the welterweight division where you have Floyd Mayweather. The winner between Marcos Maidana and Josesito Lopez automatically puts himself in line and at the front door knocking to fight the very best.

"This is how important this event is. This is high stakes here for everyone on this card. Saturday, June 8 will be explosive, that's for sure.

"What's most exciting for Alfredo Angulo's team is that he's just now putting everything together and really learning the craft of boxing under Virgil Hunter. It's going to be very exciting to see him fight such an incredible fighter like Erislandy Lara

"Stephen Espinoza (Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME SPORTS) has now taken SHOWTIME to a whole new level. This is the home of boxing and it will continue to be the home of boxing for many years to come."

KEN THOMPSON, Josesito's Lopez' Co-Promoter

"Here we go again...one more time in L.A. and in every city thanks to SHOWTIME. We have the best fighter in the world in Josesito Lopez, the 'Riverside Rocky.'

"When Josesito and Marcos Maidana enter the ring for the main event on June 8, no judges will be needed. This fight will end with one great fighter laying in the middle of the ring, while the other great fighter will be standing and getting his hand raised in victory and that fighter is the 'Riverside Rocky,' Josesito Lopez.''

LUIS DECUBAS JR., Erislandy Lara's Manager

"This is going to be a great fight. We're happy to be on such a great card. Erislandy is ready. He knows he is in with a very tough, aggressive fighter.

"Angulo is a hungry and determined fighter, but so is Erislandy. We're excited about fighting on June 8."

ROBERT GARCIA, Marcos Maidana's Trainer

"We're training hard for this fight and we know what type of fight we have in front of us. We cannot take this fight lightly.

"We've gotten some great sparring in for this fight and I know Josesito and his coach have done the same. We're actually pretty good friends with Henry (Ramirez). We just know this is a fight that fans are really going to enjoy.

"We know both fighters' styles and we know this could turn out to be one of the best fights of the year. As everyone who has seen the last few of Maidana's fights knows, he is starting to use his jab a little more and using a little more footwork, in and out, so we're going to fight smart. I know this will be end up in a war and whoever is the best conditioned has the best chance to win

"I fought most of my fights on SHOWTIME so I'm just so happy to be part of SHOWTIME again.''

HENRY RAMIREZ, Josesito Lopez's Trainer

"Josesito has been living with me at my place the last few weeks. He wanted to do it and it was his idea. This way there are no distractions. Just eat, sleep and think boxing. It's been working out great.

"The return to 147 pounds will do him a lot of good. I think the time off will do him a lot of good, too, but we didn't really plan to be off this long.

"This fight, Josesito and Maidana, is a Fight of the Year candidate. Robert Garcia and I are good friends, but this is a sport and I know he has been preparing Maidana like I've been preparing Josesito.

"This will be a terrific fight."

VIRGIL HUNTER, Alfredo Angulo's Trainer

"I want to thank SHOWTIME and Golden Boy. This is going to be a great fight. We have great respect for Lara, who's a great Cuban fighter, but we know what a big chance this is for us.

"I believe Angulo has been judged a little harshly; after all, he has only had two fights after spending nine months in detention. That's tough for a fighter to be away that long. His first comeback fight lasted a minute. The last fight, he went 12 strong rounds and closed the show. He'll be even better on June 8.

"I don't think the styles will make a difference. The winner will be who wants it more. I expect Alfredo to hit another level. He's prepared and excited to fight Lara.

"Don't miss it. Tell a friend."

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time. EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 All photos other than those specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Impress Photo-Studios♔ and KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Blog-Online Publication all rights reserved.

“Knockout Kings” to be Headlined by Canelo Alvarez Facing Josesito Lopez for theWBC Super Welterweight World Championship onSeptember 15 at MGM Grand

“Knockout Kings” to be Headlined by Canelo Alvarez Facing Josesito Lopez for theWBC Super Welterweight World Championship onSeptember 15 at MGM Grand Live on Showtime®

WBC Featherweight World Champion Jhonny Gonzalez To

Take on Former World Champion Daniel Ponce De Leon

Mexican Independence Day weekend will come alive in one-of-a-kind fashion on Saturday, September 15 when “Knockout Kings” featuring undefeated Mexican sensation Canelo Alvarez taking on boxing’s breakout star and upset-minded Josesito Lopez for Canelo’s World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Welterweight World Championship, takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, live on SHOWTIME. Fans can expect fireworks all night long with the unparalleled quadruple-header, which also features WBC Featherweight World Champion Jhonny Gonzalez defending his title against former World Champion Daniel Ponce De Leon.

“Knockout Kings,” a tremendous evening of pure Mexican power and pride, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Canelo Promotions in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Corona, DeWalt Tools and AT&T. The quadruple-header will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. and will be televised live on SHOWTIME. Additional co-featured fights will be announced soon.

SHOWTIME Sports will also produce a new edition of its ALL ACESS sports documentary series. ALL ACCESS: Canelo vs. Lopez will premiere on SHOWTIME, with multiple replays on additional SHOWTIME and CBS platforms. The exhibition schedule will be announced shortly.

“We know the exceptional talent we have in Mexican superstar Canelo, and certainly Josesito Lopez deserves the opportunity to face him after his stunning upset victory over Victor Ortiz on June 23,” said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “It is going to be another prideful Mexican Independence Day weekend for Mexican and Mexican-American fans having their most celebrated fighter, Canelo, fighting that night along with Jhonny Gonzalez and Daniel Ponce De Leon, who are going to deliver their own electrifying championship battle.”

“It is a great pleasure for Golden Boy Promotions to be working with MGM Resorts International and SHOWTIME Sports on this exciting night of boxing,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO, Golden Boy Promotions. “To be able to showcase top-caliber boxing talent in Canelo, Josesito Lopez, Jhonny Gonzalez and Ponce De Leon on the same show packs a lot of power and pride into a tremendous evening for attendees and viewers watching at home. It’s also a special gift for Mexican and Mexican American fans who have supported the sport for so long to have Canelo appear once again on Mexican Independence Day weekend. If there is anyone who deserves a shot at Canelo, it’s Josesito because he showed that heart and will can determine the outcome of any fight. I’ve never seen a fighter show that.”

“SHOWTIME has fully committed to promoting this tremendous night of boxing as if it were a pay-per-view, but instead is offering this quadruple-header to all boxing fans across the country,” continued Schaefer. “We are very pleased that CBS will also be committed to promoting this event on various platforms.”

“We are excited to be able to offer SHOWTIME subscribers a chance to see boxing’s newest star, Canelo Alvarez, in what promises to be a dramatic fight,” said Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “Canelo’s talent and charisma has re-energized boxing and drawn legions of casual fans to the sport. Josesito Lopez may not be as well-known as Canelo, but he has already shown that it would be a mistake for any opponent to overlook Josesito Lopez. Many counted him out in his last fight against Victor Ortiz, but he stunned the SHOWTIME audience and boxing fans worldwide with his gutsy performance and earned his shot at Canelo. This match-up, and this entire card as a whole, promises to be non-stop action and we are proud to deliver explosive fights to our viewers.”

Richard Sturm, president of sports and entertainment for MGM Resorts International, said, “We look forward to celebrating Mexican Independence Day weekend with one of the most exciting events of the summer. There is no doubt that Golden Boy Promotions will deliver a fight that has a major impact on boxing fans worldwide.”

Already a phenom in his home country of Mexico, Canelo turned professional at the age of 15 and has amassed a record of 40-0-1, with 29 knockouts. Since 2008, he has knocked out 14 of 18 opponents and is coming off of a dominant unanimous decision win over future Hall of Famer and former Three-Division World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley in May. Now, the 21-year-old considered to be one of boxing’s fastest-rising stars will make his SHOWTIME debut on Mexico’s biggest holiday weekend of the year, Mexican Independence Day weekend. Canelo will look to continue his meteoric rise to international superstardom as he follows in the footsteps of De La Hoya, his childhood idol and current promoter.

“I am happy to be fighting Josesito Lopez on Mexican Independence Day weekend and to give all of our fans a tremendous battle,” said Canelo. “I was ringside for his fight against Victor Ortiz and saw the talent he possesses. It will be very competitive, but nothing can take away my desire to be the best in the sport. I am also excited to be fighting for the Mexican people and Mexican American fans on Mexican Independence Day weekend. I look forward to showing so many people who will be watching me across the United States that I love being a champion. I want them to think of me as one of the greatest fighters ever.”

In June, Lopez emerged from relative obscurity and scored the biggest win of his career over the heavily favored Ortiz in the main event of a SHOWTIME Championship Boxing. Lopez shocked the boxing world by stopping Ortiz, one of today’s most popular and talented fighters. Lopez (30-4, 18 KO’s) of Riverside, Calif., has the opportunity to recreate his “Rocky moment” on Sept. 15, when he challenges for his first world title against a man that many believe to be boxing’s next superstar.

“I am so happy to have the chance to continue my career fighting another great champion in Canelo Alvarez especially on such a big weekend like Mexican Independence Day,” said Lopez. “I know they put me in the ring with Victor Ortiz to have me beat and now they are doing the same thing with Canelo. I was a big underdog with Ortiz and now I’m a bigger underdog with Canelo, but I’m up for the challenge.”

Also featured on the SHOWTIME telecast will be reigning Mexico City’s Jhonny Gonzalez (52-7, 45 KO’s) who once ruled the bantamweight division with his iron fists, winning two world titles and defeating the likes of Fernando Montiel, Irene Pacheco and recently inducted Hall of Famer Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson. Reinventing himself at featherweight, where he has gone 12-0 with 11 knockouts, he won the WBC 126-pound title by stopping Hozumi Hasegawa in the fourth round in April 2011. Four title defenses, including an April 2012 decision over Elio Rojas, have followed, and on September 15, the 30-year old will seek a fifth successful defense against De Leon.

“This is a fight I have been wanting for a long time and now to have the opportunity to do it for my Mexican people is so great,” said Gonzalez. “That is a big weekend for everyone and I am going to show the world why I am still the best in the division.”

Power puncher Daniel Ponce De Leon (43-4, 35 KO’s) has long been one of boxing’s most dependable warriors. Former WBO Junior Featherweight World Champion De Leon defended his crown six times during his 2005-08 reign. After losing the title to Juan Manuel Lopez in 2008, he began the next chapter of his career, winning nine of his next 11 fights following that defeat. In 2012, wins over Omar Estrella (KO6) and Eduardo Lazcano (W10) at featherweight have put him in line for a shot at 126-pound gold, but to get it, he will have to beat countryman Gonzalez on the 15th of September.

“Gonzalez is a very good fighter, but I have the experience and ability to beat him and take his title from him,” said De Leon. “The Mexican fans will all be watching and there is going to be tremendous pressure on all of us to win our bouts and look great doing it. I will become the new champion that night and my career will move up to a new level.”

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

ORTIZ VS LOPEZ; Josesito Lopez Scores Upset, Breaks Victor Ortiz Jaw

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

All Access: Victor Ortiz - Full Episode

Premiere episode of the new docu-series in anticipation of rising superstar Victor Ortiz' June 23 bout against Josesito Lopez, viewers will get a firsthand look at Ortiz' rollercoaster past year. The charismatic former welterweight world champion seeks to reclaim his place atop the division.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Former World Champion Victor Ortiz (29-3-2, 22 KO's) of Ventura, Calif., former NABF Champion Josesito Lopez (29-4, 17 KO's) of Riverside, Calif., former Three-Time World Champion Humberto “Zorrita” Soto and hard-hitting, top rated contender Lucas Matthysse took part in a final media workout on Wednesday at Fortune Boxing Gym in Los Angeles, just days before they do battle on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING on Saturday, June 23 live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif.

The vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver Welterweight title is on the line in the 12-round Ortiz vs. Lopez bout while Soto (59-7-2, 34 KO’s), of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico, will battle Trelew, Argentina native Matthysse (30-2, 28 KO’s) in 12-round co-featured bout for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Lightweight title.

VICTOR ORTIZ:

“Fans can expect a great show on Saturday night. There haven't been many changes in this camp. I have always had a goal to be one of the greatest fighters of all time and that goal is still there. I have trained hard for a good fight and I am ready.

“Josesito is a hell of a fighter. I’m not taking anything away from him, but right now he is stepping into the wrong den. I will show it Saturday night.”

JOSESITO LOPEZ:

“I just recently started watching tapes. It does make a difference. I used to just let my coach watch, but it does give a clearer idea about what you have to look forward to. Training has been going great. I moved up in weight and it’s given me that much more energy. I’ve had the energy, power, and strength throughout camp to not have to slow down.

“I am at a position where there are bigger things I want to achieve, and that’s motivation right there. On Saturday it all starts. On Saturday the smarter fighter will win.”

Regarding the Canelo Alvarez vs. Ortiz announcement:

“I find it disrespectful to announce the fight ahead of time, but if anything it gives me more motivation to achieve what I want to achieve. I think (the result) is going to surprise everyone.”

HUMBERTO SOTO:

“I am a very professional fighter. I feel very good at 140 pounds. Whoever said I lost speed and power, well that’s not true. I proved with my last three fights in this division that I can handle it.”

With regards to his game plan:

“Things change in the ring. I have my game plan, but once the bell rings I am going to see what’s in front of me, but I always prepare to win. I know Matthysse has as well, so it’s going to make for a very good fight.”

LUCAS MATTHYSSE:

“I expect to win by KO. I think I was robbed against Zab Judah and Devon Alexander in the United States, so expect a KO. I don’t want it going to the judges on Saturday, so expect a good fight.

“I respect Soto because he was a three-time world champion. He comes from lighter divisions and my strength will help me win.

“I trained in Junin, Buenos Aires, for two months. I sparred with nine sparring partners. I am in the best shape of my life.”

“Ortiz vs. Lopez,” a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Silver Welterweight Championship taking place Saturday, June 23, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif., is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Corona, DeWalt Tools andAT&T. The co-feature will see former Three-Division World Champion Humberto “Zorrita” Soto battle Argentinean knockout artist Lucas Matthysse in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Lightweight title which is presented in association with Baja Boxing Promotions and Arano Box Promotions. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader begins live at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) with preliminary fights airing on SHOWTIME EXTREME at 7 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Ortiz, Lopez, Soto, Matthysse SHOWTIME Conference Call Highlights‏

Former World Champion “Vicious” Victor Ortiz, former NABF Super Lightweight Champion Josesito Lopez, former Three-Division World Champion Humberto Soto and top-rated super lightweight contender Lucas Matthysse participated in an international media conference call on Wednesday to discuss their participation in the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING event on Saturday, June 23, to be broadcast live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) fromSTAPLES Center in Los Angeles.

“Ortiz vs. Lopez,” a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Silver Welterweight Championship taking place Saturday, June 23, at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Calif., is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Corona, DeWalt Tools and AT&T. The co-feature will see former Three-Division World Champion Humberto “Zorrita” Soto battle Argentinean knockout artist Lucas Matthysse in a 12-round fight for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Lightweight title which is presented in association with Baja Boxing Promotions and Arano Box Promotions. Opening the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast) will be top rated heavyweight contender Chris Arreola facing Mike Mollo in a 10-round fight.

VICTOR ORTIZ:

“I just want to say that I don’t disrespect anyone. I’m fighting Josesito Lopez on June 23, who I’ve been training for and ignoring everyone else possible. There’s a dangerous fighter in front of me who is on the same path as I was a year ago before I fought (Andre) Berto, but the difference here is I’m too hungry to let my chance go. As far as I’m concerned I’m ready for June 23. If he wants to go to war, we’ll go to war. If he wants to box, then we’ll box. It doesn’t really matter. I’m there to take what is rightfully mine. At the end of the day, I know Josesito is ready to go and so am I, so that makes two of us.”

Did you have to adjust much in your training when it was announced you would be fighting Lopez and not Berto?

“Lopez is a good fighter. He and Berto go hand-in-hand. They’re both great fighters. I can’t think lightly of either of them.”

Is there any pressure on you going back to STAPLES Center, the site of your loss to Marcos Maidana?

“No, not at all. Right now the main focus is on Josesito Lopez because he’s no walk in the park. As far as Maidana goes, he owes me a thank you or a rematch because I gave him his name.”

JOSESITO LOPEZ:

“I’m really excited about this fight. I’ve been training really hard.’’

Did you think you won your last fight against Jessie Vargas?

“I do think I won that fight and nine out of 10 people who saw it thought I won. Unfortunately, the judges didn’t’ see it that way, but hey, that’s the way it goes. Our job as fighters is just to bring everything we can and hope for the best and hope that they see it the correct way.

“My only motivation right now is just June 23 and Victor Ortiz. I don’t even think one hour past June 23. That’s the only thing that drives me right now. I don’t care about any other dates or times right now. There’s nothing else that matters to me.”

HUMBERTO SOTO:

“There is no doubt Lucas is a strong opponent and a strong fighter. He comes forward and always looks for a fight. The difference in this fight is the experience. I have a lot of experience, and that’s what’s going to lead me to victory.

“Matthysse is a good fighter. He’s going to stay in there and he’s a smart fighter. We’re going to go toe-to-toe.”

LUCAS MATTHYSSE:

“We are here in Argentina finishing preparations and putting the final touches on. We are just very excited, happy and ready to go.”

Do you think Soto will stand and fight in front of you instead of backing up as you perceived was the case in your only losses to southpaws Zab Judah and Devon Alexander?

“Yes, those were both very difficult fights to have to adjust to them and change the way I fight. I know I won both those fights. Deep in my heart, I know it. It did hurt me, but we’ve got to come back stronger and I know we are ready for bigger and better things. With Humberto, we all know he’s going to come to fight. He wants to come to battle and that makes me very happy because we are ready to give him a war.”

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

Showtime Boxing - June 23: Victor Ortiz vs. Josesito Lopez, Soto vs. Matthysse, Chris Arreola

Showtime Boxing - June 23: Victor Ortiz vs. Josesito Lopez, Soto vs. Matthysse, Chris Arreola

Victor Ortiz, Josesito Lopez, Humberto Soto, Lucas Matthysse, and Chris Arreola guarantee an action-packed night of boxing. This summer’s fight night to remember begins at 9PM on June 23rd. Only on SHOWTIME.

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.

VICTOR ORTIZ vs. JOSESITO LOPEZ & CHRIS ARREOLA JUNE 23 KICKOFF PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Former World Champion "Vicious" Victor Ortiz and popular contender Josesito Lopez held a press conference in downtown Los Angeles on Wednesday to formally announce that Lopez will step in to face Ortiz, of Ventura, Calif., by way of Garden City, Kansas, for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver Welterweight title in the main event of a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING tripleheader on Saturday, June 23, at STAPLES Center live on SHOWTIME^® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

It was also announced on Wednesday that the Ortiz vs. Lopez event will include top-rated heavyweight Chris Arreola (35-2, 30 KO’s), of Riverside, Calif., in a 10-round bout against an opponent to be determined. Those two fights will join the previously announced 12-round bout between Humberto Soto and Lucas Matthysse for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Lightweight title.

Lopez (29-4, 17 KO’s), of Riverside, replaces Ortiz’s (29-3-2, 22 KO’s) original opponent Andre Berto who failed a pre-fight drug test.

The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and Thompson Boxing Promotions and sponsored by Corona, DeWalt Tools and AT&T. Soto vs. Matthysse is presented in association with Baja Boxing Promotions and Arano Box Promotions.

Here’s what the participants had to say on Wednesday:

VICTOR ORTIZ:

“I’m not taking anyone for granted at all. Josesito is a great fighter. We share one thing in common, and that’s a lot of heart. It’s going to be a great night. He’s ready to fight, and that makes two of us.

“It’s too bad (that Berto failed the drug test), but at the end of the day we have to prepare for another champion, and that’s Josesito Lopez.

“I’ve been training for more than six months for this fight, but that’s what world champions do. I have to be prepared to fight anyone if I want to prove that I’m the best.

“Lopez is a warrior and I know he’ll come to fight on June 23.

“Josesito knows this is a huge opportunity for him on a big stage. That’s why I can’t take him lightly.”

JOSESITO LOPEZ:

“I’m excited about this opportunity. I’ve been in training and working hard.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I plan to take advantage of it.

“People who have seen me fight know I’m tough and I leave it all in the ring. Once you see me fight, you’ll fall in love with my style. I plan to win over some of Victor’s fans on June 23.

“It’s no secret that Victor has a weak chin and I plan to exploit that. I’ll be looking for the knockout. If not, I know I’ll need to win 10 out of the 12 rounds to walk out of there a champion. I can’t leave it in the judges’ hands.

“I’m aggressive, I like to bang. I like to come forward and put the pressure on my opponents.”

CHRIS ARREOLA:

“It’s an honor to be fighting at STAPLES Center again. The last time I left here I was dejected. I was in tears because I had just lost the biggest fight of my career. It was embarrassing, but I’m going to leave here with my hands in the air on June 23.

“My job is to put the fight in my hands. I’m going to get the knockout and give the fans what they want to see. I’m not going to leave it to the judges.

“The difference between this fight and the last time I fought at STAPLES is I’m in shape. I’m training and ready to fight.

“The fact that I could challenge (Wladimir) Klitschko isn’t a distraction, it’s motivation, but I can’t look past June 23 if I want to win a world title.”

♔EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess♔, See you at the Fights and Thank You for your time.EL Boxing Empress Online @ Twitter http://www.twitter.com/Keishamorrisey ©®™ 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 All photos other than specified by "EL Boxing Empress & MMA Princess" Keisha Morrisey, for ♔Empire Morrisey Photo-Studios♔, KCKMT for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and ★Starlite★ Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved.