12 Rounds — World Welterweight Championship –   MANNY PACQUIAO vs.   JUAN MANUEL MÁRQUE

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10 Rounds – IBF Latino Junior Welterweight Championship  -  MIKE ALVARADO   vs.  BREIDIS PRESCOTT

10 Rounds – NABO Junior Lightweight Championship –  LUIS CRUZ    vs.  JUAN CARLOS BURGOS

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Las Vegas -

The Top Rank fight card will be in the South Pacific Ballroom at Mandalay Bay.   Tickets at $75, $50, $25 are available at all Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers, and Ritmo Latino).  Ticket sales are limited to 8 per person. To charge with a major credit card, call Mandalay Bay at 877-632-7400 or Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. Tickets may also be available for purchase at www.mandalaybay.com

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“I’m so excited to be headlining this STRIKEFORCE Challengers card in Las Vegas, the home of MMA,” said Gurgel, a tested veteran who has also fought seven times in the UFC^®.  “Everybody knows that when I fight, I bring it every time. This is going to be a fight that every fan goes home happy about and remembers for a very, very long time.”

“This is the most excited I’ve ever been for a fight,” Duarte, who has been to a decision only once in his career, said. “When I found out about the matchup with Gurgel, I couldn’t say no, and when I found out that it was in Vegas it just made it that much better. Jorge is a guy that’s been around for a long time and I respect him for what he’s done for the sport. He doesn’t put on boring fights and neither do I, so the fans at the Palms can expect a great show from two of the best on August 12.”

Tickets for STRIKEFORCE^® Challengers, which is presented by Rockstar Energy Drink, are priced at $150, $85 and $50 and go on sale Saturday, July 2 at 12 p.m. PT. Tickets will be available at the Pearl box office, online at ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations, or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Ticket prices do not include service charges.

UFC^® Fight Club^™ members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event Thursday, June 30 starting at 10 a.m. PT via UFCFightClub.com. A special internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers and Strikeforce Insider subscribers on Friday, July 1 starting at 10 a.m. PT. To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through UFC.com or the Strikeforce Insider through Strikeforce.com.

Coming off a 44-second submission victory this past March, Gurgel, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black, is looking to once again show MMA fans that he’s a force in the lightweight division.  The four-fight STRIKEFORCE veteran and former two-time UFC Fight of the Night winner, fighting out of West Chester, Ohio, is more than ready for August 12 when he meets the always dangerous Duarte.

Originally from Dededo, Guam, and now fighting out of San Diego, Calif., Duarte is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt who enlisted in the U.S. Army during the early years of his amateur MMA and boxing career.  Following two tours of duty in Iraq, Duarte decided to turn pro in MMA and is currently riding a four-fight win streak, including a submission win over Saad Awad at STRIKEFORCE: DIAZ vs. DALEY in April.

Former UFC and WEC veteran Healy, fighting out of Portland, Ore., now makes his home in the STRIKEFORCE lightweight division.  The St. Louis native holds notable wins over Paul Daley, Dan Hardy, Carlos Condit and Lyle Beerbohm to name a few.  He’ll look to add another win when he meets Clinton, Iowa’s Wisely.  The Team Conquest product holds recent victories over Hermes Franca and Matt Veach and is hoping to leave the cage with his fifth straight win.

For more information or the latest STRIKEFORCE news, visit www.strikeforce.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

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“Anderson Silva is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world,” said UFC President Dana White. “He has won 14 straight and hasn’t lost since January 2006, when he lost a controversial fight against none other than Yushin Okami. Okami is the number two middleweight in the world and a powerhouse in that division. He is the winningest Japanese fighter in UFC history and also the only guy to have beaten the greatest fighter in the world in the last seven years. He wants to do it again, but this time, in Anderson’s home country and win the UFC middleweight title. If he does, he will be the first ever Japanese champion.”

An explosive co-main event features the rematch between former light heavyweight champions Mauricio “Shogun” Rua and Forrest Griffin, while unbeaten Brazilian lightweight Edson Barboza looks for his ninth professional victory when he battles British bomber Ross Pearson. UFC’s first event in Brazil since 1998 will also feature a pivotal heavyweight collision pitting former champion and Brazilian legend Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira against the surging Brendan Schaub. In addition, Sao Paulo’s Luiz Cane collides with unbeaten Bulgarian Stanislav Nedkov in a surefire slugfest.

Tickets for UFC® 134: SILVA vs. OKAMI go on sale on Friday, June 17 at 11:30pm PT and are priced at R$1,600, R$1,000, R$450, and R$275. Tickets are available online at INGRESSO.com.

UFC^® 134: SILVA vs. OKAMI will be available live on Pay-Per-View at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on UFC.TV, iN DEMAND, DirecTV, DISH Network, Avail-TVN, BellTV, Shaw Communications, Sasktel, and Viewer’s Choice Canada for a suggested retail price of $44.99 US/$49.99 CAN for Standard Definition and $54.99 US/$59.99 CAN for High Definition.

Ranked as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world and one of the greatest of all time, Anderson Silva (fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) has won 14 straight fights and has defended the middleweight crown a record eight times. On Aug. 27, “The Spider” gets a chance to avenge a controversial disqualification loss he suffered to Yushin Okami in 2006. Owning wins over the likes of Rich Franklin, Nate Marquardt, Dan Henderson and Vitor Belfort, the 36-year-old is looking forward to adding Okami’s name to his legendary resume.

“This is a great opportunity for me to fight in Brazil, close to my home and my family,” Silva, who boasts a 28-4 record,” said. “It’s a great opportunity for Yushin and the fans in Japan after all they have been through this year. To see one of their top fighters fighting for the title makes this a special event.”

A winner of six out of his last seven fights, Japanese middleweight star Yushin Okami (fighting out of Kanagawa, Japan) has emerged as the division’s top contender thanks to his tremendous strength and overwhelming power. With wins over Jason MacDonald, Nate Marquardt and Mark Munoz, the six-foot-two powerhouse has set out to become the first Japanese champion in the history of the UFC.

“I understand Anderson has a lot of emotion (fighting in Brazil),” Okami, who has compiled a record of 27-5, said. “This time it will be in his home country, so I will see him fully focused, at his most dangerous, and in the best shape ever when I step in to the Octagon.”

“But no matter what, I have to try to smash him with all of my speed, strength and skills,” Okami continued. “The last time we fought, I felt the pressure of his striking, so I have been sharpening up my striking skills, and though he is the best opponent I have faced, he is the man I have to beat to become the UFC middleweight champion.”

Silva isn’t the only superstar looking to avenge a loss on Aug. 27. Former light heavyweight champion Mauricio “Shogun” Rua (fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil) returns to the Octagon^® in Rio de Janeiro to battle Forrest Griffin (fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.), a former 205-pound champion who defeated him in 2007. Known for his fierce Muay Thai skills and devastating power, the 29-year-old Rua (19-5) holds wins over Hall of Famers Mark Coleman and Chuck Liddell, and was the first man to ever knock out Lyoto Machida. He’ll need to be on point to upend Griffin, who won the first season of The Ultimate Fighter^® and is best known for wins over Stephan Bonnar, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Tito Ortiz and Rich Franklin.

The stock of lightweight striker Edson Barboza (fighting out of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) is soaring thanks to two impressive wins in the UFC. Unbeaten at 8-0, the 25-year-old returns to his hometown this summer to meet The Ultimate Fighter season nine winner Ross Pearson (fighting out of Sunderland, England). Boasting wins in four out of his last five fights, the 26-year-old Pearson plans to spoil Barboza’s homecoming in August and prove that he truly is “The Real Deal.”

Mixed martial arts legend Antonio “Minotauro” Nogueira (fighting out of Bahia, Brazil) returns to his native Brazil with hopes of displaying the tenacity that helped him win both UFC and PRIDE^® titles in his illustrious career. The 35-year-old nicknamed “Big Nog” starts that quest back to the championship when he meets red-hot heavyweight prospect Brendan Schaub (fighting out of Denver, Colo.). A 28-year-old former NFL player, Schaub (9-1) has won four straight fights in the Octagon. The toughest test of his young career awaits the heavy-handed fighter nicknamed “The Hybrid” at HSBC Arena when he meets Nogueira (32-6-1, 1NC) in hostile territory.

Knockout artist Luiz Cane (fighting out of Sao Paulo, Brazil) finished Eliot Marshall in his last fight in March and expects nothing less when he battles unbeaten Stanislav Nedkov (fighting out of Veliko Turnovo, Bulgaria) in light heavyweight action. Thus, it should come as no surprise that the bout between Cane (12-3-1) and Nedkov (11-0) is an early sleeper for Fight of the Night.

For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit UFC.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

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The announcement of the fight, which will take place on Mexican Independence Day weekend, widely considered boxing’s biggest weekend, sends shock waves across the sports pages as there is no denying that the younger, stronger and current champion Ortiz poses an extremely credible threat to Mayweather, who returns to the ring after a 16-month hiatus.  It is a highly competitive and very dangerous match-up that will give fans a chance to see the sport’s biggest star against the sport’s newest star in one ring on one very special night of boxing action.

“I am ready to return to the ring and give my fans a fantastic night of boxing by fighting the best out there and for me, that is Victor Ortiz,” said Mayweather.  ”He is the current champion and an extremely talented fighter who showed amazing skills, and heart, in his last performance against Andre Berto.  At this stage of my career, these are the challenges I look for, a young, strong, rising star looking to make his mark in boxing by beating me.  Like the rest of my opponents, he is going to try to prove that he can beat me.  I commend him for accepting the fight, but on September 17, Ortiz is just going to be another casualty, the 42^nd one who tried and failed.  Trust me, I will be ready.”

“I respect Mayweather because he has been a champion for many years and I know he will be ready, but so will I,” said Ortiz.  “I’m a strong fighter and I have worked really hard to silence my critics.  I’m a world champion for a reason and I am not going to let go of my title any time soon.  This is going to be a great fight, but I will remain a world champion for many years to come.”

Floyd Mayweather (41-0, 25 KO’s) remains boxing’s biggest attraction, wowing crowds and generating record pay-per-view numbers each time he steps into the ring.  In his last ring appearance on May 1, 2010, Mayweather dismantled Sugar Shane Mosley in a lopsided unanimous decision victory.  Mayweather is no stranger to fighting on Mexican Independence Day weekend either, as prior to his sensational win over Mosley, he took on Mexican boxing star Juan Manuel Marquez on September 19, 2009, beating his opponent in spectacular fashion. During his extraordinary career, he has amassed wins over world champions such as Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton.

Victor Ortiz (29-2-2, 22 KO’s) is on fire.  He is riding a six-fight undefeated streak including his sensational win over Andre Berto on April 16 of this year.  The hard-punching southpaw proved himself throughout their 12-round battle when he survived a knock down in the sixth round and came back to drop Berto at the end of the sixth round in one of the most exciting fights in boxing this year.  Ortiz, who was already known as one of the most powerful young fighters in the sport but was questioned in the past for his desire, showed the world that his heart matches his hands of steel when faced with the best in boxing.

“When Floyd fights, everyone stops to watch and this is an exciting time for boxing as it always is when Floyd steps into the ring,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions.  ”There is no better showman than Floyd and he backs up his legacy with amazing, one-of-a-kind skills.  Victor Ortiz has shown us that he is a great fighter too and for the two of them to meet makes for a gigantic night for fans all over the world.  It’s always a thrill to see Floyd fight and it’s even better when he faces the best out there such as a true champion like Ortiz.  This is going to be a fight to remember.  Sports fans have a lot to look forward to on September 17.”

“There is no doubt that September 17 will again be this year’s biggest night of boxing worldwide,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions.  ”When Floyd Mayweather fights, it is an event which brings fight fans, sports fans and the general public together to see this truly gifted athlete perform.  Every year Floyd sets the bar and standard for most pay-per-view buys and this year will be no different.  In Victor Ortiz, he is facing a young, strong and highly motivated world champion who knows that a win over the pound for pound champion will catapult him into superstardom.  The stage is set and I can’t wait for the showdown of the year.”

Mayweather vs. Ortiz is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions.  A nationwide press tour is being planned for the week of June 20 with additional details about it and the fight to be announced shortly.

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Hardy and Lytle, two of the 170-pound division’s most devastating strikers, will collide in the main event, while lightweight contenders Jim Miller and Ben “Smooth” Henderson go to war in a bout that will determine which fighter moves one step closer to a shot at the title. Plus, light heavyweight star Stephan Bonnar returns to the Octagon^® to battle the menacing Karlos Vemola and Amir Sadollah and Duane Ludwig engage in an exciting welterweight bout.

“Dan Hardy and Chris Lytle want to stand toe-to-toe until someone falls and that’s a recipe for an outstanding fight,” UFC President Dana White said. “This is the fight both guys wanted, so the fans in Milwaukee are in for a treat. The Miller-Henderson fight should be equally exciting since both guys love to come forward and press the action. We can’t wait to host our first event in Wisconsin this summer.”

Tickets for UFC^® LIVE go on sale Saturday, June 11 at 10 a.m. CT and are priced at $250, $125, $75, and $50. Tickets are available at the Bradley Center Ticket Office, Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster Outlets, or by phone at 800‐745‐3000. Tickets are subject to applicable convenience and service fees.

UFC^® Fight Club^™ members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event on Thursday, June 9 at 10 a.m. CT via the website ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers on Friday, June 10 starting at 10 a.m. CT.  To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through ufc.com.

UFC^® LIVE will be broadcast live on VERSUS at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Originally from Nottingham, England, Dan Hardy (fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) earned his stripes in the UFC thanks to his devastating power and a fearless approach inside the Octagon^®. Holding wins over the likes of Mike Swick, Marcus Davis and Rory Markham, the 28-year-old finally gets his much-desired bout with Lytle in Milwaukee.

“This is the fight I’ve wanted and it’s the fight the fans wanted,” Hardy, who recently moved to Las Vegas for training, said. “Fans don’t like boring fights. They want two guys in there who are willing to go to battle. Chris Lytle always comes to fight, so this won’t be a boring fight. I can guarantee that.”

A winner of four out of his last five bouts, Chris Lytle (fighting out of Indianapolis, Ind.) has developed a reputation for giving the fans their money’s worth. Known for his heavy hands and free-swinging approach, the 36-year-old former pro boxer wanted nothing more than a knock-em-out, drag-em-out bout against Hardy this summer.

“I don’t like to take a fight unless I know it can potentially be the best, most exciting one of my career,” Lytle, who owns a record of 40-18-4, said. “This fight has the potential to be that and more. I’m on a seek-and-destroy mission and I know that Dan is, too. I’m really excited for this fight.”

Another contender in the crowded lightweight division will emerge on Aug. 14 when Jim Miller (fighting out of Whippany, N.J.) takes on former WEC champion Ben Henderson (fighting out of Glendale, Ariz.). Seven straight victories have fueled Miller’s ascension up the 155-pound ranks, including a brutal knockout win over previously unbeaten Kamal Shalorus in March. To secure an eighth victory and potential slot in a title fight, the 20-2 fighter must defeat Henderson (13-2), a well-rounded battler who soundly defeated Mark Bocek in his UFC debut in April.

One of the sport’s most charismatic stars returns on Aug. 14 as “The American Psycho” Stephan Bonnar (fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) hits Milwaukee for a light heavyweight bout with Karlos Vemola (fighting out of London, England). Known for his sport-defining clash with Forrest Griffin during season one of The Ultimate Fighter^®, the 34-year-old Bonnar (16-7) is still making waves six years later and is riding back-to-back wins over Krzysztof Soszynski and Igor Pokrajac. To earn his third straight win, he must best 25-year-old Vemola (9-1). Originally from the Czech Republic, Vemola is fresh off a knockout victory over Seth Petruzelli at UFC 122 and has his sights set on earning the biggest win of his career at Bradley Center.

A compelling welterweight bout pits the season seven winner of The Ultimate Fighter^®, Amir Sadollah (fighting out of Richmond, Va.), against the fearless Duane “Bang” Ludwig (fighting out of Denver, Colo.). The 30-year-old Sadollah (6-2) has won two consecutive fights, while the 32-year-old Ludwig defeated Nick Osipczak by decision in his last fight on UFC 122. Given both fighters’ penchants for exciting fights, the Sadollah-Ludwig bout should deliver when the UFC arrives in Milwaukee in August.

For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit UFC.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

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In addition, UFC fans in Philly will be treated to an exciting light heavyweight battle between former middleweight champion Rich Franklin and former PRIDE^® star Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, as well as a 185-pound clash pitting former UFC world champion Vitor Belfort against Japanese superstar Yoshihiro Akiyama.

“The last time we were in Philly, the fans were incredible so we are excited to head back there with a card that features three former world champions,” UFC President Dana White said. “Phil is undefeated at 9-0 and has never been more motivated for a fight, and he wants to prove that he belongs atop the light heavyweight division. Rashad is on fire. He wants his title back so badly he can taste it, but he knows before he can get his title shot he has to get through Phil. He wants to win and he wants to win impressively. This is a great fight.”

Tickets for UFC^® 133: EVANS vs. DAVIS go on sale exclusively through ComcastTIX on Saturday, June 11 at 10 a.m. ET and are priced at $500, $350, $225, $150, $100, and $50. Tickets are available on line at ComcastTIX.com, by phone at 1-800-298-4200, or in person at the Wells Fargo Center Box Office. Ticket sales are limited to eight (8) per person.  Tickets are subject to convenience and service fees.

UFC^® Fight Club^™ members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets to this event on Thursday, June 9 at 10 a.m. ET via the website ufcfightclub.com. A special Internet ticket pre-sale will be available to UFC newsletter subscribers on Friday, June 10 starting at 10 a.m. ET.  To access this presale, users must register for the UFC newsletter through ufc.com.

UFC^® 133: EVANS vs. DAVIS, which is presented by Boost Mobile, will be available live on Pay-Per-View at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on UFC.TV, iN DEMAND, DirecTV, DISH Network, Avail-TVN, BellTV, Shaw Communications, Sasktel, and Viewer’s Choice Canada for a suggested retail price of $44.99 US/$49.99 CAN for Standard Definition and $54.99 US/$59.99 CAN for High Definition.

“Suga” Rashad Evans (fighting out of Boca Raton, Fla.) has defeated some of the sport’s most recognizable names, including Quinton Jackson, Chuck Liddell, Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar. Along the way, Evans (20-1-1) has captured UFC gold and the coveted title of season two winner of The Ultimate Fighter^®. On Aug. 6, the 31-year-old hopes a win will put him in line for a shot at champion Jon Jones.

“My road back to the title continues in Philadelphia against Phil Davis and I expect this to be one of the best fights of the year,” Evans said. “Phil is on the rise in this sport and it’s my job to put an end to that. He’s a former national champion wrestler and he’s been impressive thus far in the UFC, but my experience in big fights gives me the edge. I want another shot at the belt and I’ve got to beat Phil to earn it.

Undefeated rising star Phil Davis (fighting out of San Diego, Calif.) returns to his native Pennsylvania with plans to score the biggest win of his career. A Division I National wrestling champion in 2008, the former Nittany Lion Davis (9-0) has torn through the UFC’s light heavyweight division. With wins over the likes of Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Brian Stann, “Mr. Wonderful” believes he’ll cement his place among the 205-pound best with a huge victory over Evans at Wells Fargo Center.

“I’m definitely glad to be back in Pennsylvania for the biggest fight of my life,” Davis, a Harrisburg native, said. “It’s going to be good to be able to fight in front of all my family and friends. I feel like I can take this fight wherever I want. I can wrestle with Rashad, I can strike with him, and I feel confident wherever this fight goes. Rashad Evans is the most dangerous opponent I’ve ever faced, but I don’t think for a minute that I’m outmatched. I’m going to take care of this fight and do whatever I have to do to beat Rashad.

Former middleweight champion Rich “Ace” Franklin (fighting out of Cincinnati, Ohio) brings his versatile game and supreme conditioning back to the Octagon^® for a highly-anticipated clash with former PRIDE^® star Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (fighting out Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) in light heavyweight action. The 36-year-old Franklin (28-6, 1 NC) holds key victories over Chuck Liddell, Wanderlei Silva and Matt Hamill and will be put to the test against the 34-year-old Nogueira (19-5), a crisp boxer and Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt who has posted wins over Vladimir Matyushenko, Alistair Overeem and Dan Henderson.

Proven knockout artist and former UFC champion Vitor “The Phenom” Belfort (fighting out of Las Vegas, Nev.) has long been touted as one of the most devastating and explosive strikers in history. Owner of wins over the likes of Rich Franklin, Randy Couture and Gilbert Yvel, the 34-year-old Brazilian Belfort (19-9) now gears up for a bout with Japanese superstar Yoshihiro Akiyama (fighting out of Osaka, Japan). Three straight “Fight of the Night” awards dot the record of the 35-year-old Akiyama (13-3, 2 NC) and he expects to earn a fourth when he meets Belfort in Philadelphia. The talented judoka, who trains alongside number one middleweight contender Yushin Okami, has defeated notables such as Alan Belcher and Melvin Manhoef.

For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit UFC.com. All bouts live and subject to change.

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Weeks before it celebrates its 10^th anniversary, there will be an unprecedented double airing of ShoBox — with three-fight telecasts on SHOWTIME on consecutive evenings — Friday, June 10 (11 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) in Central California and a special Saturday edition on June 11 (10:35 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) in New York City.

It is the first time the popular, critically acclaimed boxing series which has spawned 42 world champions will go two nights in a row – much less with fistic tripleheaders on each and 3,000 miles apart.

In the June 10 main event, hard-hitting Lateef Kayode (16-0, 14 KOs) will risk his unblemished record against the more experienced Matt “Too Smooth” Godfrey (20-2, 14 KOs) of Providence, R.I., in a 10-round cruiserweight bout at Chumash Resort Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif. Other bouts on a Gary Shaw Productions-promoted event: Chris Avalos (18-1, 15 KOs) of San Diego, Calif.,  faces undefeated Khabir “Crazy Russian” Suleymanov (11-0, 5 KOs) of Los Angeles by way of Chelybinsk, Russia in a 10-round super bantamweight match and Archie Ray Marquez (12-0, 8 KOs), of Albuquerque, N.M., and Armenian-born Art “Lionheart” Hovanessian (13-0, 7 KOs), of Glendale, Calif., clash in an eight-round battle of unbeaten lightweights.

The June 11 show features four Puerto Rican fighters on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City. In the featured attraction, Hector “El Flaco” Sanchez (19-1, 9 KOs), of Santuce, P.R., will be opposed by Vincent Arroyo (11-1, 7 KOs), of Rio Piedras, P.R. in a 10-round junior welterweight scrap at Roseland Ballroom in New York City. The card co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Gary Shaw Productions will include a 10-round featherweight affair between promising Luis Orlando “Orlandito” Del Valle (12-0,10 KOs), of Bayamon, P.R., and his toughest foe to date, Dat “Be Dat’’ Nguyen (17-1, 6 KOs) of Vietnam, and an eight-rounder pitting 2008 Puerto Rican Olympian, power-punching Jonathan Gonzalez (13-0, 13 KOs), of Rio Piedras, against Colombian Richard  Gutierrez (26-6-1, 16 KOs), of Miami ,in a middleweight match.

Says Farhood, who has called every ShoBox telecast, “I’m really looking forward to going back-to-back nights. Anything different is fun, and this is certainly different since it has never been done. Doing a show again in New York is great. We haven’t done one there in a few years.”

Regarding the fights, Farhood says “Kayode needed the scare he got last time on Shobox. Now he knows for sure he can’t overpower everybody. I’m anxious to see if he’s learned from the experience. But with Godfrey, he’ll be in with the toughest he’s ever been in. Underneath, there are two exciting, young fighters who’ve produced explosive victories on Shobox so that makes me anxious to see them again.

“On Saturday, Arroyo is a live underdog, if an underdog at all, and he’s coming off an impressive win over Willie Nelson on ShoBox in April. Gonzalez is a very young fighter with a perfect KO record so as he moves up we’ll see how legit his KO record is.’’

Kayode will be appearing on ShoBox for a fourth time and at Chumash for a fifth. The highly regarded Freddie Roach-trained puncher-boxer of Hollywood, Calif., by way of Lagos, Nigeria, had a 14-fight knockout streak end in his most recent fight when he had to settle for a unanimous 10-round decision over the awkward but elusive Nicholas Iannuzzi last Feb. 4 on ShoBox at Chumash. It was the only time since his pro debut on Aug. 15, 2008, that Kayode, 28, had not been victorious inside the distance.

“The decision is fine,” said Kayode after winning by the scores of 98-91, 97-92 and 95-94. “It was a good fight. I learned more from going the distance.’’

Godfrey, 30, has a distinct class advantage and has won a few minor titles. He has been knocked down twice in his career only to get up and win. His only losses were against hometown favorites in fights in Germany — to WBO cruiserweight champion Marco Huck on a fifth-round TKO in his last start on Aug. 21, 2010, in Erfurt, and on a 12-round decision to Rudolf Kraj in a WBC eliminator in March 2008 in Krefeld.  Godfrey, a six-time New England Golden Gloves champion, had more than 200 amateur bouts

Avalos will be making his sixth start at Chumash and fifth on ShoBox. A pro since February 2008, the 21-year-old has won two consecutive fights since suffering his lone defeat on a 10-round split decision to fellow unbeaten Christopher Martin on Aug. 6, 2010, on ShoBox in Hinckley, Minn. Avalos won a third-round technical decision over Cecilio Santos in his last outing on Dec. 11, 2010 on the non-televised undercard of the SHOWTIME Bantamweight Tournament.

Suleymanov, 30, will be making his ShoBox debut. He captured the vacant North American Boxing Organization (NABO) crown in his last start with a thrilling ninth-round knockout over Francisco Gallo on Oct. 22, 2010, in Glendale, Calif. Suleymanov floored Gallo with a right hand late in the round. Gallo made it to his feet but could not continue and the referee stopped the bout at 2:59. A former top kickboxer, Suleymanov turned pro in September 2006. He and his twin brother, Sabir, made it to the bantamweight finals of the 2005 New York Golden Gloves. Rather than fight each other, both were awarded gold medals.

Marquez, one of the most talented boxers to come out of Albuquerque in years, went 2-0 in 2010 and will be making his third appearance on ShoBox. In his last effort on April 2, the highly regarded 22-year-old registered a unanimous eight-round decision over Johnny Frazier in Bernalillo, N.M. Marquez went 115-15 in the amateurs. His pro debut came in March 2005.

The Armenian-born Hovhanessian will be making his ShoBox debut. An aggressive-minded, 29-year-old former sparring partner of Manny Pacquiao has won 11 consecutive fights and five of his last six inside the distance, including a fifth-round knockout over Luis Lugo last April 23 in Los Angeles. Hovhanessian turned pro in April 2006 and fought his initial three fights in France. The draw came in his third fight.

The comebacking Sanchez, of Rio Piedras, will be making just his third start since December 2008 and first since a shocking fifth-round TKO loss to Cleotis Pendarvis on April 2, 2010, in Las Vegas. A two-time Puerto Rican national champion and the 2000 Junior Olympic Bronze medalist, Sanchez compiled an amateur record of 72-10 before going pro in March 2005. Sanchez’ most notable victory came on an eight-round decision over former world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop’’ Corley on April 10, 2009.

Arroyo, 23, has won two straight, including an eight-round majority decision over the previously undefeated Nelson last April 8 on Shobox, since suffering his only setback on a six-round nod to Mike Dallas Jr. on Sept. 12, 2009. “I know Sanchez is a great fighter and that we will give a great fight for the viewers,’’ Arroyo said. “This is a great opportunity for both of us, and I will profit the most.’’

The 24-year-old Del Valle has won five in a row by knockout, including a sixth-round TKO over Irving Hernandez in his last outing Feb. 18 in Puerto Rico. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to fight as a star on SHOWTIME. I am preparing to make the best fight of my life,’’ said Del Valle, who knocked out Pasqual Rouse in the fourth round to capture the New York State featherweight title on July 10, 2010, in Poughkeepsie. Del Valle was an outstanding amateur for the U.S. before turning pro in April 2008.

Nguyen – not to be confused with the former NFL player with the same name — has competed exclusively in the United States since turning pro in May 2004. As an amateur in 2003, he became the first Vietnamese-American to earn a spot in the U.S. Championships, where he lost to eventual Olympic gold medalist Mickey Bey. The 28-year-old Nguyen, a resident of Vero Beach, Fla., has won his last six starts, all by decision, including an eight-round decision over Andres Ledesma in his last fight on Oct. 10, 2009. Nguyen suffered his lone loss on a six-round split decision to Gregorio Torres in August 2007.

Gonzalez, 21, possesses good movement and boxing ability – he’s not merely a brawler – yet has fought into the seventh round only once, and that came in his last outing against Rudy Cisneros at Chumash this past May 13. Eleven of his KO wins have come within three rounds. “I’m in the prime of my career but I’m training like never before to show my quality to the world,’’ said Gonzalez, the No. 11 contender in the World Boxing Association (WBA) who’s fought 10 of his 13 fights in the U.S. “This is a quick turnaround for me, but I’ll be ready for it.’’

Gutierrez, 32, is a physically strong, well-conditioned veteran who is experienced against capable competition. “I’m a complete boxer,’’ said Gutierrez, who is moving up in weight for this. “I’ll adjust, depending on how the fight is going. I’ll work the body, the corners, the ropes, or the middle.’’ A winner of 21 in a row after turning pro in January 2001, Gutierrez dropped a decision to then-undefeated Carlos Abregu on Feb. 6, 2006, on SHOWTIME.

Blow-by-blow announcer Curt Menefee and ringside analyst Steve Farhood, along with executive producer Gordon Hall, producer Richard Gaughan and director Rick Phillips will work the Friday night show from Santa Ynez. Expert analyst Antonio Tarver will join the announce team for Saturday’s telecast.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports Programming, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http:// sho.com/sports.

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The highly anticipated 12-round world title matchup between New York-based Agbeko (28-2, 22 KOs) of Accra, Ghana and Mares (21-0-1, 13 KOs) of Hawaiian Gardens, Calif., by way of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, was originally scheduled for April 23, but was postponed when Agbeko was injured moments after arrival at Los Angeles International Airport for fight week.  Doctors at a nearby hospital diagnosed the champion with sudden onset sciatica, a back injury.

The August 13 SHOWTIME Championship Boxing telecast will be Agbeko’s fourth consecutive appearance on the network and the third in a row for Mares.

“The talented and courageous men in this division have delivered some of the most memorable fights of the last decade,” said Ken Hershman, Executive Vice President and General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports.  “This tournament concept has already delivered three excellent match-ups and the best is yet to come with this Final.  I am proud of Joseph and Abner for staying on course to finish what they started.  May the best man win.”

Agbeko, who had never previously missed a fight, was told by a Los Angeles physician to receive treatment and wait six weeks before resuming training after the April 23 postponement.  When he was cleared to fly, Agbeko returned to his native Ghana to rest but will return to New York next week to resume training.

“I have been receiving physical therapy treatments here in Accra and I am happy to report that my body has responded well,” Agbeko said.  “I feel healthy and stronger than ever and will be ready to fight on Aug. 13.”

“I would like to thank Abner Mares and SHOWTIME for giving me time to recover from this most unfortunate of injuries.  I will forever remember their great sportsmanship during my time of trouble.”

Mares welcomed the news.  “I’m excited to get the fight with Agbeko rescheduled so I can finish what I started and win the bantamweight tournament.  It was unfortunate that Agbeko was injured in April, but I’m happy he has recovered and we have a date set now.  I want to fight the best and I know I can beat the best.  I will not rest until I become the best of the best in the bantamweight division.”

Agbeko will be making his first start since recapturing the IBF crown with an impressive 12-round unanimous decision win over then-unbeaten Yonnhy Perez in the bantamweight tournament semifinal on Dec. 11, 2010, in Tacoma, Wash.  Agbeko convincingly won a thrilling give-and-take battle by the scores of 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113.  Their exciting fight came in a rematch of a 2009 Halloween night slugfest that Perez won on points.

It will also be the first fight back for Mares since the semifinals in Tacoma, where he rallied dramatically to earn the most significant victory of his career, a 12-round split decision win over former two-division world champion Vic Darchinyan in a bloody, knockdown-laden affair.  Mares recovered from a deep cut along his hairline in the opening round, the first knockdown of his career in the second round and a point-deduction in the fourth round to floor Darchinyan in the seventh round en route to a victory by scores of 115-111, 113-112 and 111-115.

The world championship fight will be promoted by Don King Productions and Golden Boy Promotions.  A venue and an exciting undercard for the August 13 event will be announced shortly.

For more information, visit www.donking.com or www.goldenboypromotions.com, become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or follow the event on twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.twitter.com/abnermares00.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports Programming, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http://sports.sho.com/.

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In the week leading up to the deciding Super Six Semifinal, SHOWTIME Extreme will replay past Super Six bouts – including the Fight of the Year candidate slugfest between Froch and Mikkel Kessler and Andre Ward’s coming-of-age championship victory from Group Stage 1 – along with multiple re-airs of the latest episode of the critically acclaimed FIGHT CAMP 360°: Inside the Super Six World Boxing Classic.

Follow the link to find the schedule for these programs:

SHOWTIME EXTREME:

DATE                                                     PROGRAM                                                                           TIME       _________

Monday, May 30                                 FIGHT CAMP 360° – Episode 9                                        10:45 p.m. ET/PT

Tuesday, May 31                                 FIGHT CAMP 360° – Episode 9                                        11:45 p.m. ET/PT

Wednesday, June 1                           FIGHT CAMP 360° – Episode 9                                        10:30 p.m. ET/PT

Wednesday, June 1                           Super Six Group Stage 1: Kessler vs. Ward               11:00 p.m. ET/PT

Thursday, June 2                                FIGHT CAMP 360° – Episode 9                                        10:30 p.m. ET/PT

Thursday, June 2                                Super Six Group Stage 2: Froch vs. Kessler              11:00 p.m. ET/PT

Friday, June 3                                      FIGHT CAMP 360° – Episode 9                                        10 p.m. ET/PT

SHOWTIME:

DATE                                                     PROGRAM                                                                           TIME

Saturday, June 4                                FIGHT CAMP 360° – Bonus Episode                              8:45 p.m. ET/PT

Saturday, June 4                                Super Six Semifinal: Froch-Johnson LIVE 9 p.m. ET/PT

For information on SHOWTIME Sports Programming, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http://sports.sho.com.

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