LOS ANGELES (October 24, 2016) - Former Two-Division World Champion and Future Hall of FamerBernard "The Executioner" Hopkins(55-7-2, 32 KOs) and Light Heavyweight Contender Joe Smith Jr. (22-1, 18 KOs) today hosted a Los Angeles press conference to discuss their 12-round battle set for December 17 at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif. and to be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing®. Also, in attendance for this press conference was Los Angeles-based undefeated Vyacheslav "Lionheart Chingonskyy" Shabranskyy (17-0, 14 KOs) as he takes on Cuban standout Sullivan Barrera (17-1, 12 KOs) for a 10-round bout for Shabranskyy's WBC USNBC Light Heavyweight title on HBO Latino® Boxing on Friday, December 16 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Also rounding out the HBO Latino® Boxing card, was Former WBC Silver featherweight titlist Ronny Rios (26-1, 11 KOs) against Roy "Pitbull" Tapia (12-1-2, 6 KOs).
Below is what the fighters, their trainers, managers and promoter had to say at today's press conference:
BERNARD HOPKINS, Former Two-Division World Champion and Future Hall of Famer:
"This is history, we have been here many times where history has been made. This is obviously different than everything I have ever done, because it is the Final 1. To be able to have the Final 1 in LA, where the city of stars are trying to be stars, however you cut it, it couldn't have been better with the history placed in the DNA that the Forum has produced.
"It is fitting that the end of a twenty-nine year career, since 1988 is in a historic place at the Forum in Inglewood, CA. This is something that came as an opportunity to be here. I couldn't tell you that it would be in this arena-it just happened, and here I am against an incredible opponent.
"I don't want anyone to say Joe Smith Jr. gave me anything-give me an opportunity and give me a door and I'll open it myself. I don't' have to convince anyone of anything. This is not emotional. What I am going to do is show you why I have been named three different names in boxing from "The Executioner" to "B-Hop" to "The Alien" they all exist in me.
"On December 17th you will see "The Executioner," it will all come full circle. This press conference is just a warm up. Win, lose or draw, there is no excuse-Final 1."
JOE SMITH JR., Light Heavyweight Contender:
"I'm so glad I was chosen to fight Bernard Hopkins in his final fight on December 17th at the Forum. I'm going to train very hard for this fight and take full advantage of it. I'm looking forward to putting on a great show for everyone."
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:
"As you know, we are calling this the "Final 1," and Bernard has expressed this is the final one. We are really excited to be putting together this card. We want to thank HBO for putting this card together.
"December 17th will be historical. I want to say coming out party, but it will be the last hoorah, as a champion goes out in his terms, in his way. Only legends can do that and superstars who transcend the sport.
"What excited me about this fight is that Bernard is not fighting someone who is a walk in the park, he is fighting a difficult fight, and this gentleman has every opportunity in the book to win and win a world title. This is Hopkins, this is who Hopkins chose. Joe Smith Jr. has an amazing record and an outstanding knockout percentage that is unheard of in his division.
"Hopkins will be an athlete that will transcend the sport, not just for what he has accomplished in the ring, but for outside of it, and that is huge. I am very excited and happy that this fight will be taking place in an arena where I began my professional career. It is an honor for me and thank you for giving Los Angeles and Angelenos an opportunity to watch this fight.
"Leading up to the event, we have some great events coming up. The annual Oscar De La Hoya Foundation Toy Giveaway will be taking place the day of the fight. We want to get the community involved, not only because yours truly is from here and I began my career here-but because we are celebrating a legend, such as Bernard in a way he should be honored.
"Part of the festivities leading up to the December 17th fight will be a card on December 16th on HBO Latino at one of the best casinos in California, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino,
"At Golden Boy, we are very proud to grow our young fighters. Rios vs. Tapia wasn't an easy fight to make, because we have developed these fighters, but you have to make great fights for the fans and this will be an exciting fight to watch
"On December 16th, I think it is best to promote one of the best divisions in boxing today, the middleweight division. I acknowledge Jason Quigley, who is here today as an undefeated middleweight fighter.
"The main event fight on December 16th has a potential to be a Fight of the Year candidate, in a very hot division-light heavyweight division. Ever since I saw Shabranskyy, who I nicknamed 'Chingonskyy' I have seen something in him, with his finesse in the ring. He is a very special fighter and he is facing an experienced, durable fighter in Sullivan Barrera.
"Thank you to our sponsor, Tecate. I am proud to announce that Tecate will be sponsoring boxing in a whole new way in 2017, everyone will be blown away by how they will bring boxing to the next level.
"What makes Bernard Hopkins is that he doesn't stop, he keeps going and surprises people. He would continue until he was 60 if he could, that's what a legend is, he takes care of himself and keeps going.
JOE DEGUARDIA, President and CEO of Star Boxing:
"It is certainly great to be here in LA at the Forum where so much history has been made. This fight was really easy to male, and that is a testament to Bernard Hopkins, because most fighters would shy away from a puncher like Joe Smith Jr. It is an honor and I thank Bernard and Oscar for taking this fight."
TONY WALKER, Director of HBO Sports:
"December 17th is our last broadcast of the year, and it is very special because it is the last time we will see Bernard Hopkins in the ring. This fight will be Bernard's twenty-third fight on HBO, tying him with Lennox Lewis in appearances. Hopkins will join all of the boxing greats you can name. His traits of tenacity and endurance have been with him and we are going to celebrate Bernard with this Final 1 fight."
JOSE "PEPE" SULAIMAN, JR., CEO of the WBC's Los Angeles Office:
"With greatness comes great responsibility, Bernard Hopkins has taken this to very high levels. He is an ambassador for peace, and is an example in and outside the ring. He has a wonderful relationship with the WBC, and was a very great friend to my father.
"At the WBC, we are very proud to be a part of this fight. This is not another fight, this is not a farewell fight, this a real fight. We are very enthusiastic to be a part of this. Great champions fight great fights and great fighters. There will be two belts. One for the winner and one to celebrate a great champion."
ANDY FOSTER, Executive Director of the California State Athletic Commission:
"One thing I can tell you, the California Commission does not care who wins, we want both fighters to go home safe. We look forward to a safe and successful event."
NICK SPAMPANATO, Senior Vice President West Coast and General Manager of the Forum and MSG:
"The people up here are the best in the business. At The Forum, we are extremely excited to host this fight and have the historic Forum be the host. December 17th will be a great night of fights and we look forward to seeing everyone there."
CHRIS LAVOIE, Public Relations Manager of Fantasy Springs Resort Casino:
"Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is proud to be hosting a great weekend in boxing, it will be broadcast live on HBO Latino. We are proud of our longtime relationship with Oscar and Golden Boy Promotions. Golden Boy boxing brings about ten to twelve shows a year to Fantasy Springs and Shabranskyy vs. Barrera will be an exciting fight on December 16th."
VYACHESLAV SHABRANSKYY, WBC USNBC Light Heavyweight Champion:
"My next fight is December 16th on HBO Latino, and I am very excited to fight. This is a good opportunity for me and for the fans to witness a great fight. I will be ready"
RONNY RIOS, Former WBC Silver Featherweight Champion:
"First and foremost, thank you to HBO and Golden Boy for this great opportunity. December 16th and 17th will be a great night for boxing, as a legend says good bye to the sport. I never underestimate any opponent or fight, so Roy let's put on a great show for everyone to see why Golden Boy is the best promoter in the sport."
ROY TAPIA, Featherweight Prospect:
"What can I say, December 16th will be a great fight. I want to thank my manager and Golden Boy. It has been anything but a smooth path to get here, but on December 16th you will see who I am and what I can do. Like Bernard Hopkins just said up here, give me a door and I will knock it down."
Hopkins vs. Smith is a 12-round light heavyweight battle presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Star Boxing and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event will be televised live on HBO's flagship series beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
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Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Sunday, October 23, 2016
LEMIEUX, BALLARD EARN VICTORIES AT BELL CENTRE IN MONTREAL
MONTREAL (October 22, 2016)-In an all-out slugfest, hard-hitting Middleweight contender David Lemieux (36-3, 32 KOs) delivered a solid victory in front of his hometown crowd in Montreal, earning a unanimous 10-round decision over, Argentinian fighter Christian Fabian Rios (21-8-3, 6 KOs)
"With this win, David Lemieux has once again demonstrated himself to be a dynamic and resilient fighter," said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "This additional victory will open new doors for Lemieux, and we can't wait to see what the next chapter in his boxing career will bring."
In the opening bout at the Bell Center, rising Super Middleweight prospect D'mitrius Ballard (15-0, 11 KOs) kept his undefeated record intact, dominating Gergo Harvath (9-2-1, 5 KOs) throughout the early moments of the fight. In the second round, the Maryland-born Ballard knocked Harvath down three times before the referee waved off the fight.
"With this win, David Lemieux has once again demonstrated himself to be a dynamic and resilient fighter," said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "This additional victory will open new doors for Lemieux, and we can't wait to see what the next chapter in his boxing career will bring."
In the opening bout at the Bell Center, rising Super Middleweight prospect D'mitrius Ballard (15-0, 11 KOs) kept his undefeated record intact, dominating Gergo Harvath (9-2-1, 5 KOs) throughout the early moments of the fight. In the second round, the Maryland-born Ballard knocked Harvath down three times before the referee waved off the fight.
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Juan Francisco Estrada dominates Raymund Tabugon in action-packed 10 round bout
Juan Francisco Estrada was in a full workout Saturday night as Filipino boxer Raymund Tabugon fight it out till the final bell of their 10-round non-title fight at Estrada's home turf at the Estadio Francisco León García, in Sonora, Mexico.
The 26 years old Mexican showed no problem or whatsoever with his right hand that underwent an operation. Estrada's right hand was injured during his fight against Hernan Marquez last year.
Estrada was sidelined for more than one year before his fight with Tabugon Saturday night. But he showed no ring-rust dominating the 25 years old from General Santos City, Philippines.
The official scores were 100-90 on all three judges' scorecards in favor of Estrada.
With the win, Estrada could be facing the pound-for-pound best fighter in boxing today Nicaragua's Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez in a rematch.
Philippine boxing observers praised Tabugon's gallant performance against the massive favorite and experienced Estrada.
"Tabugon's consolation was his gallant effort against the much experienced more durable Mexican," writes Maloney L. Samaco of Philboxing.com.
The 26 years old Mexican showed no problem or whatsoever with his right hand that underwent an operation. Estrada's right hand was injured during his fight against Hernan Marquez last year.
Estrada was sidelined for more than one year before his fight with Tabugon Saturday night. But he showed no ring-rust dominating the 25 years old from General Santos City, Philippines.
The official scores were 100-90 on all three judges' scorecards in favor of Estrada.
With the win, Estrada could be facing the pound-for-pound best fighter in boxing today Nicaragua's Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez in a rematch.
Philippine boxing observers praised Tabugon's gallant performance against the massive favorite and experienced Estrada.
"Tabugon's consolation was his gallant effort against the much experienced more durable Mexican," writes Maloney L. Samaco of Philboxing.com.
Saturday, October 8, 2016
Raymond Tabugon faces toughest test in Juan Francisco Estrada
General Santos City's Raymond Tabugon (18-5-1, 8KOs) will face Sonora Mexico's Juan Francisco Estrada for a 10-round non-title match at the Estadio Francisco León García, in Sonora, Mexico on Saturday night.
Tabugon traveled to Mexico for the second time hoping for a win this time after being knocked out in the fifth round against Juan Hernandez Navarrete during his 2015 trip to Mexico. A fight with Estrada is a huge step-up in competition for Tabugon. He's the obvious underdog against the experienced and former flyweight champion Estrada.
Estrada (33-2, 24KO’s) resume includes notable wins against top boxers like Brian Viloria, Milan Melindo, Giovani Segura, and Hernan Marquez. He also once faced but lost to the number one pound-for-pound boxer Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez of Nicaragua.
Sanman Promotions CEO Jim Claude ‘JC’ Manangquil who handled Tabugon said that he "expects Tabugon to fight hard like he always does."
Although Estrada has the experience and crowd on his side, for sure he'll be experiencing some ring rust as he was sidelined for almost 13 months because of an injury to his right hand. He got the injury during his fight against fellow Mexican Tyson Marquez. Estrada needed an operation and it remains to be seen tonight how good his right hand.
Tabugon traveled to Mexico for the second time hoping for a win this time after being knocked out in the fifth round against Juan Hernandez Navarrete during his 2015 trip to Mexico. A fight with Estrada is a huge step-up in competition for Tabugon. He's the obvious underdog against the experienced and former flyweight champion Estrada.
Estrada (33-2, 24KO’s) resume includes notable wins against top boxers like Brian Viloria, Milan Melindo, Giovani Segura, and Hernan Marquez. He also once faced but lost to the number one pound-for-pound boxer Roman "Chocolatito" Gonzalez of Nicaragua.
Sanman Promotions CEO Jim Claude ‘JC’ Manangquil who handled Tabugon said that he "expects Tabugon to fight hard like he always does."
Although Estrada has the experience and crowd on his side, for sure he'll be experiencing some ring rust as he was sidelined for almost 13 months because of an injury to his right hand. He got the injury during his fight against fellow Mexican Tyson Marquez. Estrada needed an operation and it remains to be seen tonight how good his right hand.
DIEGO MAGDALENO DEFEATS ART HOVANISSYAN VIA UNANIMOUS DECISION IN FRONT OF SOLD OUT SHOW AT THE BELASCO THEATER
LOS ANGELES (October 7, 2016) - All eyes were glued to the ring during tonight's
sold out LA FIGHT CLUB performances at the Belasco Theater as Diego Magdaleno left victorious against Art Hovanissyan via unanimous decision victory. Special guests for the night included Golden Boy Promotions' Partner and Future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins, Playboy Playmate of the Year Eugena Washington, WBA-NABA super featherweight Champion Carlos "The Solution" Morales, Jason "El Animal" Quigley,
Jesus "Renuente" Soto Karass, Ivan "Striker" Delgado, Tenochtitlan "T-Dog" Nava, Rafael "El Aiklin" Gramajo, Emilio Sanchez, Pablo "The Shark" Rubio Jr, Luis Coria, Oscar Duarte, and Roy "Pitbull" Tapia.
The main event of the night left the fight fans on the edge of their seats, as Glendale native Art Hovhannisyan (17-3-3, 9 KOs) battled against former WBO International lightweight title holder Diego Magdaleno (29-2, 12 KOs) in a complete slugfest. The bout showcased both of the fighter's relentlessness in the ring, as both exchanged a series of punches from start to finish. During the fourth round, Magdaleno received a head butt, resulting in a cut over his eye, but that didn't stop him from winning the fight via unanimous decision with the judges all scoring it 99-91.
"Entering the ring, every boxer has a chance to get the knockout-and that's what I came for. However, I'm satisfied with the unanimous decision that I received tonight," said Magdaleno. "Hovhannisyan was a tough opponent, but I was able to outbox him. The energy at LA FIGHT CLUB was one I have never seen before, and that definitely propelled me to put my all in to this fight, especially after taking a year off. I'm more ready than ever, and I'm looking forward to the new opportunities after winning this fight."
"I knew what to expect from my opponent, but I feel like I didn't fight as well as I should have. However, I did fight with my whole heart," said Hovhannisyan. "Going forward, I'll be looking over the tape with my coach to go over my mistakes and what I should work on. I want to thank Golden Boy for tonight's event and this opportunity. The next steps are getting rest and healing my hand which was hurt in the fight."
The evening's co-main event broadcast on the Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar featured tough Philadelphia fighter Damon "No Smiling'" Allen Jr. (11-0-1, 4 KOs) facing experienced Mexican fighter Luis Arceo (28-15-5, 18 KOs) in a fight going the distance. Throughout the bout, each fighter attempted to gain the upper hand going up against one another with exchanges of hits and blocks-resulting in a draw with all three judges scoring it 76-76.
"I knew it was going to be a tough fight because Arceo had a ton of experience under his belt," spoke Damon Allen. "I made the fight harder than it had to be. It was a learning experience, and we are definitely going back to the drawing board after this. I want a rematch."
"I honestly feel like I was robbed," said Luis Arceo. "Each time I would unleash my punches, he would run away. I was the tougher fighter, and I am glad that the judges saw that. I entered the ring as the underdog, and with this draw I feel like I was vindicated."
Opening the Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar telecast, Maricela "La Diva" Cornejo (4-2, 2 KOs) battled against Eliza Olson (9-6-3, 2 KOs) in a scheduled six round super middleweight fight. As the second female fight ever to take place at the Belasco Theater's LA FIGHT CLUB, both female fighters brought their A-game as they exchanged hits and blocks in a bout resulting in Cornejo taking home a unanimous decision victory.
"I used my jab, and kept my distance because Olson is known as an unpredictable fighter," said Maricela Cornejo. "I wasn't pleased with the outcome-we all want to win via knock out-but I love the fact that I got to demonstrate good footwork and skills that will continue to empower women's boxing. I'm excited to be a part of LA FIGHT CLUB, and I know that I'll be back."
It was an all-out brawl as Joseph "Diamante" Aguirre (15-0, 9 KOs) won via knockout in the fifth round in a scheduled six-round super welterweight fight against Roberto Carlos "Magnifico" Rivera (6-3, 5 KOs). It was a bloody exchange, and in the second round, Rivera began bleeding through the nose due to the relentless jabs from Aguirre. Finally in the fifth round, Aguirre landed a powerful right hand body shot at 1:45 dropping Rivera to the mat.
"He had a tough punch, and his uppercuts were a wall that kept me from going in," said Aguirre after his knock-out win. "I wanted to finish him off earlier, and I knew that I had to work him by starting with the body and working myself up. It was a tough match, but I got the knock out for being the better fighter."
LA FIGHT CLUB fan favorite and Santa Monica local, David Mijares (4-0, 3 KOs) won in a four-round super lightweight match up against Tijuana's Jason Gavino (3-4, 2 KOs). Mijares entered the ring cautious, and after a couple of heated exchanges exerted his control of the ring. It was a cross-over body shot from Mijares that initially hurt Gavino, and finished off the job with three consecutive uppercuts that caused Gavino to go down during the first round at 2:42, landing Mijares the knock out.
"I knew entering the ring I had to take him seriously, especially after one of his jabs to my lead hand," said David Mijares. "I knew that my punch to the body had hurt him because I felt him shake. I am excited to go eat some food, and then hit the gym again to train."
Opening up the night, Mexico City's Marvin Cabrera (1-0, 1 KO) won his first fight in afour-round welterweight bout against Jose Caro (0-4) of Tuscon, AZ with a left hook to the face leaving Caro unstable and leading the referee to stop the fight at 1:17 within the first round, landing Cabrera the technical knockout of the fight.
"It feels great to get my first win here at the Belasco," spoke Cabrera. "I have made many sacrifices, especially leaving my entire family in Mexico, and this first win has proven it is worth it, and those sacrifices are paying off. It's only the beginning."
sold out LA FIGHT CLUB performances at the Belasco Theater as Diego Magdaleno left victorious against Art Hovanissyan via unanimous decision victory. Special guests for the night included Golden Boy Promotions' Partner and Future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins, Playboy Playmate of the Year Eugena Washington, WBA-NABA super featherweight Champion Carlos "The Solution" Morales, Jason "El Animal" Quigley,
Jesus "Renuente" Soto Karass, Ivan "Striker" Delgado, Tenochtitlan "T-Dog" Nava, Rafael "El Aiklin" Gramajo, Emilio Sanchez, Pablo "The Shark" Rubio Jr, Luis Coria, Oscar Duarte, and Roy "Pitbull" Tapia.
The main event of the night left the fight fans on the edge of their seats, as Glendale native Art Hovhannisyan (17-3-3, 9 KOs) battled against former WBO International lightweight title holder Diego Magdaleno (29-2, 12 KOs) in a complete slugfest. The bout showcased both of the fighter's relentlessness in the ring, as both exchanged a series of punches from start to finish. During the fourth round, Magdaleno received a head butt, resulting in a cut over his eye, but that didn't stop him from winning the fight via unanimous decision with the judges all scoring it 99-91.
"Entering the ring, every boxer has a chance to get the knockout-and that's what I came for. However, I'm satisfied with the unanimous decision that I received tonight," said Magdaleno. "Hovhannisyan was a tough opponent, but I was able to outbox him. The energy at LA FIGHT CLUB was one I have never seen before, and that definitely propelled me to put my all in to this fight, especially after taking a year off. I'm more ready than ever, and I'm looking forward to the new opportunities after winning this fight."
"I knew what to expect from my opponent, but I feel like I didn't fight as well as I should have. However, I did fight with my whole heart," said Hovhannisyan. "Going forward, I'll be looking over the tape with my coach to go over my mistakes and what I should work on. I want to thank Golden Boy for tonight's event and this opportunity. The next steps are getting rest and healing my hand which was hurt in the fight."
The evening's co-main event broadcast on the Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar featured tough Philadelphia fighter Damon "No Smiling'" Allen Jr. (11-0-1, 4 KOs) facing experienced Mexican fighter Luis Arceo (28-15-5, 18 KOs) in a fight going the distance. Throughout the bout, each fighter attempted to gain the upper hand going up against one another with exchanges of hits and blocks-resulting in a draw with all three judges scoring it 76-76.
"I knew it was going to be a tough fight because Arceo had a ton of experience under his belt," spoke Damon Allen. "I made the fight harder than it had to be. It was a learning experience, and we are definitely going back to the drawing board after this. I want a rematch."
"I honestly feel like I was robbed," said Luis Arceo. "Each time I would unleash my punches, he would run away. I was the tougher fighter, and I am glad that the judges saw that. I entered the ring as the underdog, and with this draw I feel like I was vindicated."
Opening the Estrella TV Boxeo Estelar telecast, Maricela "La Diva" Cornejo (4-2, 2 KOs) battled against Eliza Olson (9-6-3, 2 KOs) in a scheduled six round super middleweight fight. As the second female fight ever to take place at the Belasco Theater's LA FIGHT CLUB, both female fighters brought their A-game as they exchanged hits and blocks in a bout resulting in Cornejo taking home a unanimous decision victory.
"I used my jab, and kept my distance because Olson is known as an unpredictable fighter," said Maricela Cornejo. "I wasn't pleased with the outcome-we all want to win via knock out-but I love the fact that I got to demonstrate good footwork and skills that will continue to empower women's boxing. I'm excited to be a part of LA FIGHT CLUB, and I know that I'll be back."
It was an all-out brawl as Joseph "Diamante" Aguirre (15-0, 9 KOs) won via knockout in the fifth round in a scheduled six-round super welterweight fight against Roberto Carlos "Magnifico" Rivera (6-3, 5 KOs). It was a bloody exchange, and in the second round, Rivera began bleeding through the nose due to the relentless jabs from Aguirre. Finally in the fifth round, Aguirre landed a powerful right hand body shot at 1:45 dropping Rivera to the mat.
"He had a tough punch, and his uppercuts were a wall that kept me from going in," said Aguirre after his knock-out win. "I wanted to finish him off earlier, and I knew that I had to work him by starting with the body and working myself up. It was a tough match, but I got the knock out for being the better fighter."
LA FIGHT CLUB fan favorite and Santa Monica local, David Mijares (4-0, 3 KOs) won in a four-round super lightweight match up against Tijuana's Jason Gavino (3-4, 2 KOs). Mijares entered the ring cautious, and after a couple of heated exchanges exerted his control of the ring. It was a cross-over body shot from Mijares that initially hurt Gavino, and finished off the job with three consecutive uppercuts that caused Gavino to go down during the first round at 2:42, landing Mijares the knock out.
"I knew entering the ring I had to take him seriously, especially after one of his jabs to my lead hand," said David Mijares. "I knew that my punch to the body had hurt him because I felt him shake. I am excited to go eat some food, and then hit the gym again to train."
Opening up the night, Mexico City's Marvin Cabrera (1-0, 1 KO) won his first fight in afour-round welterweight bout against Jose Caro (0-4) of Tuscon, AZ with a left hook to the face leaving Caro unstable and leading the referee to stop the fight at 1:17 within the first round, landing Cabrera the technical knockout of the fight.
"It feels great to get my first win here at the Belasco," spoke Cabrera. "I have made many sacrifices, especially leaving my entire family in Mexico, and this first win has proven it is worth it, and those sacrifices are paying off. It's only the beginning."