Indio (September 30, 2016) – NABA Lightweight champion Petr “Zar”Petrov (37-4-2, 18 KO’s) of Ryazan, Russia weighed in at 134 lbs while WBA Number 3 rated Lightweight contender, Michael “The Artist” Perez (24-1-2, 11 KOs) of Newark, N.J. weighed 135 lbs WBA Lightweight World Title Eliminator on September 30 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and broadcast live nationally on Estrella TV’s Boxeo Estelar.

Petr Petrov vs. Michael Perez is a 12-round fight for the WBA Lightweight World Title Eliminator presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD.” The Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Estrella TV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card will also stream live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via LBI Media, Inc.’s Fenomeno Studios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are still available for purchase at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com. All floor seats are now sold out.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, http://www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @EstrellaTV; and follow the conversation using #BoxeoEstelar.

Onatario, CA. (September 23, 2016)–Heralded featherweight prospect Ruben Villa made it two-for-two in first round stoppages as he took out Jose Mora at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California.

Villa dropped Mora with a right hook, and then stepped on the gas with a flurry of power punches until the fight was stopped at 2:31.

Villa of Salinas, California is now with two knockouts.

“Ruben has been very impressive in his first two outings,” said Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo. “We will have him back on November 4th on the undercard of our fight card in Corona, California.”

“The fight went as expected,” said Ken Thompson, president of Thompson Boxing Promotions. “Ruben was sensational in earning his second straight knockout win. It’s very early in his career, but you can already tell how special he is.”

Onatario, CA. (September 23, 2016)–Heralded prospect Ruben Villa (1-0, 1 KO) will make his 2nd professional start when he takes on Jose Mora on TONIGHT at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, California.

Villa of Salinas, California is looking for his second straight impressive performance after stopping Gerardo Molina in the first round of his debut on July 29th in the same venue.

Villa weighed in at 125.2 pounds, while Mora was 122.3 pounds at Thursday’s weigh-in.

Banner Promotions President, Artie Pelullo stated, “We are excited to get Ruben back in the ring tonight. He had a sensational debut, and we expect tonight to be no different. With a win, we have him penciled in to come back on November 4th.”

“Everyone is excited to see Ruben again,” said Ken Thompson, President of Thompson Boxing. “He created quite a stir in his pro debut in July and there’s a lot of buzz heading into his second fight.”

“We are looking forward to see the progression of a great athlete,” said Alex Camponovo of Thompson Boxing. “He has prepared well, and we will see another outstanding performance from Ruben.”

Photo By Carlos Baeza/ Thompson Boxing

LOS ANGELES (September 21, 2016) – NABA Lightweight champion Petr “Zar”Petrov (37-4-2, 18 KO’s) of Ryazan, Russia and WBA Number 3 rated Lightweight contender, Michael “The Artist” Perez (24-1-2, 11 KOs) of Newark, N.J. hosted a media workout in Los Angeles today, ahead of their battle for the WBA Lightweight World Title Eliminator on September 30 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and broadcast live nationally on Estrella TV’s Boxeo Estelar. Also in attendance were televised fighters Alexis Rocha (4-0, 3 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif. and co-main event, Genaro “El Conde” Gamez (2-0, 2 KOs) of San Diego. East Los Angeles’ Jonathan “Thunder” Navarro (6-0, 5 KOs) who is scheduled for a six-round super lightweight fight against Larry Carrillo (5-1, 2 KOs) of Houston, Texas was also onsite.

Below is what the fighters had to say at today’s media work out:

PETR “ZAR” PETROV, NABA Lighweight Champion:

“This is one of the best camps I’ve had in my career. I started with part of my training camp in Madrid with my brother Vlad and out here the last two months with my trainer Danny Zamora and my strength trainer Jerry Arios helping me prepare for this fight.

“I’ve been feeling very strong. It’s been easy for me to make my weight, and my body has been good at this weight class.”

MICHAEL “THE ARTIST” PEREZ, WBA Number 3 Rated Lightweight Contender:

“I’ve been training with Robert Garcia for two and a half years now, and I’ve seen the results. Under his guidance, I have been able to win the NABO Lightweight Title, and now we get to work hard for the WBA title eliminator.

“This is a huge fight, and both my opponent and I are going in heavy, I’ve got to win– and my training with Garcias is a reflection of that. I’m stronger and more confident, now more than ever.”

GENARO GAMEZ, Super Featherweight Prospect:

“I started my career sparring my brothers and cousins since I was seven years old. Boxing is a brutal sport, not including the physical stuff going on in the ring–but the diet, the discipline, and the mental game you always have to play. I know I have talent, and boxing just comes naturally to me.

“Every boxer will tell you that they want to win, that they want the world title, and that they want to leave a legacy behind them–and so do I. The only difference between them and me is that I have an amazing team behind me, that is empowering me and helping me utilize my skills to get the win. Being the co-main event this upcoming September 30th at Fantasy is a testament to the hard work we have put in.”

ALEXIS ROCHA,Welterweight Proespect;

“It’s been a ride this past year — I’ve been a pro for little less than a year, and I am so excited for the progress I have seen. I have been blessed to be able to be surrounded by such great talent, and it’s been a great experience so far.

“This training camp I’ve been working on my jab, combinations, and being able to work the body. It doesn’t matter who I am scheduled to fight, I have to be ready regardless. Ronny has been a great older brother and mentor for me. He pushes me to be confident, and not get a big head while still being aggressive in the ring. I never imagined myself to be where I am now!”

JONATHAN “THUNDER” NAVARRO, Super Lightweight Prospect:

“I am ready for whatever opponent is placed for me in the ring. I’ve been sparring with the best including Michael Perez, Alexis Rocha, Mikey Perez, and other athletes that have pushed me to improve — there is always something new to learn in the gym.

“I know my opponent has a strong left hand, and I personally have been working on my movement with my head and my hips, as well as being light on my feet while still playing pressure on my opponent.”

Petr Petrov vs. Michael Perez is a 12-round fight for the WBA Lightweight World Title Eliminator presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD.” The Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Estrella TV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card will also stream live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via LBI Media, Inc.’s Fenomeno Studios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are still available for purchase at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com. All floor seats are now sold out.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.estrellatv.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV, and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, http://www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @EstrellaTV; and follow the conversation using #BoxeoEstelar.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (September 20, 2016)–Middleweight contender Willie Monroe, Jr. won the WBO Inter-Continental title this past Saturday night with a solid 12-round unanimous decision over Gabriel Rosado.

The bout served as the co-feature to Canelo Alvarez’ 9th round stoppage over Liam Smith, where he captured the WBO junior middleweight title in front of 51,240 fans at AT&T Stadium.

Monroe boxed with precision and accuracy, befuddling Rosado throughout the contest as he continuously beat his opponent to the punch.

“Based on what he was saying at the press conference, I expected Gabe to try to knock me out,” said Monroe.

The Rochester native, Monroe mixed up his attack as he countered with his left hand and set up a lot of his offense with a piston-like jab.

“Once I got into my rhythm, I knew he would be two steps behind me, and that’s what happened. I started to notice that in the 3rd round that my jab was controlling the fight. Then he started reacting off a lot of my feints. He is a strong fighter, durable, and he has heavy hands.”

Monroe was generally pleased to be able to win this important bout in front of over 51,000 fans.

“That was pretty cool. It was a little nerving to be able to perform in front of that many screaming fans.”

With the win, plans are in motion for a fall showdown with Alvarez or a chance at the WBO Middleweight title.

“I am excited about what is next. Whether It is Canelo or Billy Joe Saunders, I am just excited about everything that will come in my future.”

“I am very proud of Willie,” stated Artie Pelullo, Banner Promotions President. “He showed how talented he is in fighting Gabriel Rosado. Rosado is not an easy guy to fight., and Willie dominated the pace of the entire fight. There are big fights in Willie’s future, as he is one of the top middleweights in the world.”

Arlington, Texas (September 16 2016)–Middleweight contender Willie Monroe, Jr. weighed in at a ready 158.75 lbs this afternoon at AT&T Stadium, while his opponent Gabriel Rosado tipped the scales at 159.25 for Saturday night’s WBO Inter-Continental Middleweight title bout. The fight will serve as the co-feature bout to the Canelo Alvarez – Liam Smith WBO Junior Middleweight title bout from AT&T Stadium and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

After a tense stare-down, Rosado shoved Monroe, to which Monroe simply smiled at the Philadelphia native.

Below are quotes from the two fighters:

Willie Monroe, Jr.
(On the shove) “Let him do what he does. We have twelve rounds or less to see what he can do. We are going to see what happens.”

“It’s never personal for me, it’s always business. I do this for the fans. I am part Cubano, so I have that Latino blood.”

Gabriel Rosado
He was talking some smack, so I will just take care of it. Like a true Latino fighter, I am coming to fight. He is running. He don’t want a war, but that’s what it is going to be on Saturday.”

(On the impact of his trainer, Fernando Vargas) “Me and Fernando Vargas are cut from the same cloth. We come to bring it. We come to bring the pain. That’s what it’s going to be on Saturday.”

Arlington, Texas (September 15, 2016)–Below are quotes from middleweight contender, Willie Monroe, Jr. from Thursday’s press conference in advance of his bout with Gabriel Rosado.

Monroe will face Gabriel Rosado in a 12-round bout for the WBO Inter-Continental title, which will serve as the co-feature bout to the Canelo Alvarez – Liam Smith WBO Junior Middleweight title bout on September 17th from AT&T Stadium and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

WILLIE “EL MONGOOSE” MONROE, JR. Former World Title Challenger:

“I come from nothing, and I want to thank my team and my brother for everything.

“We worked hard for these opportunities; we have gone from fighting out of the garage and living off of food stamps,and now we are on the big stage. This is one of the biggest stage’s, and I want to thank you all for your support today.”

“KING” GABE ROSADO, Former World Title Challenger:

“I want to thank god for this opportunity, without him nothing would be possible, and I want to thank Golden Boy Promotions. I wasn’t spoon fed coming up, but this is a new and approved Gabriel Rosado.

“Vargas and I work well together. He lit up the fighter in me. I know this is a fight, but this is also entertainment. I’m going to bring a knock out on the 17th.”

Photos by Tom Hogan Photos / Golden Boy Promotions

Arlington, Texas (September 14, 2016)–Below are quotes from middleweight contender, Willie Monroe, Jr. from his media workout on Tuesday that took place at the Texan Resort and Convention Center.

Monroe will face Gabriel Rosado in a 12-round bout for the WBO Inter-Continental title, which will serve as the co-feature bout to the Canelo Alvarez – Liam Smith WBO Junior Middleweight title bout on September 17th from AT&T Stadium and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

WILLIE MONROE JR., Former Middleweight World Title Challenger:

“It’s going to be a fun night this September 17. I am ready to get in and brawl. It’s a privilege to be under one of the biggest HBO cards of the year. Going up against Rosado will be interesting, and I am ready to see what he brings into the ring.”

“The fans can expect an exciting night of boxing; I will go out and show them the best Willie Monroe, Jr.”

LOS ANGELES (August 19, 2016) – NABA Lightweight Champion Petr “Zar” Petrov (37-4-2, 17 KOs) of Ryazan, Russia will face off with Michael “The Artist” Perez (24-1-2, 11 KOs) for the WBA Lightweight World Title Eliminator on September 30. The new 12-round main event, which is set to replace formerly announced headliner Andrew “El Chango” Cancio who is now fighting against Joseph “Jojo” Diaz, Jr. on the Canelo vs. Smith pay-per-view undercard on September 17, will kick off the fall season of fights at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino and broadcast live nationally on Estrella TV’s Boxeo Estelar.

“Michael Perez is an experienced fighter,” said Petr Petrov. “He is one of my tougher challenges, but I feel that my experience in being in bigger fights has me prepared. This is for the mandatory challenger in the WBA Lightweight World Championship and I know this will be a good fight. At the end of the day, it will be about who is prepared the best and may the best man win.”

“This is another step up in my career to becoming a world champion,” said Michael Perez. “I am very excited for this fight and I feel very motivated. I have been waiting for a fight like this, to be challenged at such a high caliber keeps me focused and motivated. Petr is a tough guy and that has been what has carried him to where he is today, but I am smart fighter and will be prepared to box when I want to and brawl when I want to. The skills I have and the plan we have to execute are what will determine the victory for this fight. Both Petr and I know what’s at stake here, the winner of our fight will be the mandatory for the winner of the world championship unification fight between Jorge Linares and Anthony Crolla. I am ready for the challenge.”

“This is a big opportunity for Petr, which is well deserved,” said Arthur R. Pelullo, President and CEO of Banner Promotions. “He knows, with a win, he will become the mandatory challenger for the WBA Lightweight World Championship and we know that he is a championship level fighter and we expect a great performance on September 30.”

“Michael Perez has been a very exciting fighter to watch rise through the ranks in the lightweight division–one of the hottest weight classes in boxing right now. If he wins as the title eliminator for the WBA Lightweight World Championship, he knows all eyes will be on him,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “We also know Petrov as an experienced and destructive fighter who won’t go down without an all-out brawl. The pressure is on and this hotly anticipated fight will determine who the next emerging lightweight star of the sport will be.”

Tickets for the event go on sale today at 10:00 a.m. PT and are priced at $45, $35, and $25. They can be purchased at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com.

With 37 victories under his belt, current NABA Lightweight Champion Petr “Zar” Petrov holds an impressive boxing resume including being the winner of ESPN’s 2014 Boxcino tournament. In April 2015 Petrov took on former world champion Gamaliel “Platano” Diaz winning the NABO and NABA Lightweight Titles via unanimous decision. On May 6, 2016 Petrov defeated Marvin “Cachorrro” Quintero via sixth round technical knockout in a historic event that saw the newly built Toshiba Plaza in Las Vegas, host its first boxing match. Petrov is ready at his shot at a world title and will do what it takes to win on September 30.

Ready to make 2016 the biggest year of his career, Newark, New Jersey’s Michael “The Artist” Perez is on the verge of a world title shot, as he is ranked number two by WBO and three by the WBA. Following 2015 victories against former WBA Lightweight World Champion, Miguel “Aguacerito” Acosta and Luis “Chespi” Sanchez that netted him the NABO Lightweight Title and extended his unbeaten streak to nine. The exciting 26-year-old was last seen in the ring vanquishing the experienced Martin “El Brochas” Honorio in March of 2016. Now with the biggest opportunity in his career, Perez is ready to take the next step and defeat Petr Petrov to get a mandatory shot at the winner of the WBC and WBA Lightweight World Championship unification bout between Jorge Linares and Anthony Corolla.

Petr Petrov vs. Michael Perez is a 12-round fight for the WBA Lightweight World Title Eliminator presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Banner Promotions and sponsored by “Cerveza Tecate, BORN BOLD.” The Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Estrella TV at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT. The card will also stream live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via LBI Media, Inc.’s Fenomeno Studios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:30 p.m. PT through 7:00 p.m.