Lewkowicz Congratulates 'Pilon' Lara for Smashing Debut

Super bantamweight prospect Jorge "Pilon" Lara wanted to put on an impressive performance for his first fight under the promotional banner of Sampson Boxing... Mission accomplished. Fighting on the undercard of Saturday's Molina vs. Bundrage fight at the Oasis Hotel Complex in Cancun, Mexico, Lara (26-0-1, 18 KOs) dominated tough veteran Jovanny Soto, dropping him four times before stopping him in four brutal rounds. It was the first time Lara appeared since signing with Sampson Lewkowicz and Sampson Boxing for his promoters. Lewkowicz says he's more than impressed with the 23-year-old southpaw. "Lara looked like a star tonight," said a happy Lewkowicz. "I am proud to have him in my stable. He is another future champion I have I my stable at 122 lbs that also includes Oscar Escandon, Tyson Cave, Hugo Ruiz, Luis Emmanuel Cusolito, Jhonatan Arenas and Jonathan Guzman." Lara has already scored a first-round TKO over former WBC silver champion Oscar Ibarra and won the WBC FECOMBOX featherweight title with a TKO 6 over then 19-1 Oscar Arenas. The only blemish on Lara's record was an abbreviated technical draw in the first year of his career. "I want to thank Pepe Gomez, from Gomez Promotions, for the tremendous hospitality and professionalism in Cancun," continued Lewkowicz. "Lara will be very tough to beat in this division and so we are expecting big things from him. I'm very proud to be working with his team." Lara is advised by the powerful Al Haymon. ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

'King' Carlos Molina: I Know I Could Beat Canelo or Lara (Again)

Watching Saturday night's pay-per-view fight between former champions Saul Alvarez and Erislandy Lara, IBF Light Middleweight Champion "King" Carlos Molina had to have felt like he wasn't invited to his own party. Alvarez and Lara duked it out this past Saturday (July 12) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas with Alvarez winning a close decision over a gun-shy Lara. And while an old-school fighter like Molina appreciates when top contenders don't make excuses and face each other, what bothers the 31-year-old champion is the way the fight was billed. "The media kept saying that Canelo and Lara was supposedly between the two best fighters at 154 lbs, like I'm not even there," said Molina. "They're trying to overlook me and not give me a chance. And after the way they both looked in there, I know I could beat both those guys. I already beat Lara, not officially, but in the eyes of most people who saw the fight." Molina has a strong case. When Molina took on Lara in March of 2011, despite what the scorecards said (the fight was ruled a majority draw with two judges scoring 95-95 and one giving Molina the win with a much more accurate 97-93 tally), Molina handled Lara much more handily than Alvarez. "Every time you see a fight in your weight class, you try to see how you would fight them and neither guy looked really spectacular. Give me the chance and I'll do to Canelo what I did to Lara. I'm the true champion in this weight class." Molina (22-5-2, 6 KOs) is currently training hard for his next fight, a defense against former champion Cornelius Bundrage in Cancun, Mexico. "Training is going great. I'm very focused and everything is good. Eager to get in the ring and show once again I belong at the top of the division."

ABOUT WARRIORS BOXING   Launched in 2003, Warriors Boxing operates under a simple philosophy-bring the best boxers in the world to fight fans, match them in competitive bouts, and in doing so help re-establish the sport of boxing for a new generation. With a series of successful Pay-Per-View shows and packed houses to it's credit, the Warriors business model is working wonders in a sport that was sorely in need of the innovation and energy that the company brings to the table. When it comes down to it though, a promotional company is only as good as the fighters and fights it promotes. Warriors Boxing has delivered on all fronts, with outstanding bouts such as Lara-Molina, Cayo-Peterson, Abraham-Miranda I and II, Miranda-Pavlik, Miranda-Green, Ibragimov-Briggs, Ibragimov-Klitschko, Urango-Hatton, Urango-Bailey, Cayo-Maidana and Ibragimov-Holyfield.   For more information on Warriors Boxing, visit their website at www.WarriorsBoxing.com.

Sampson Boxing Signs Mexican KO Artist Jorge 'Demonio' Cota to Co-Promotional Deal

Uruguayan-born, Las Vegas-based promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, President of Sampson Boxing LLC, proudly announces the signing of exciting junior middleweight KO artist Jorge "Demonio" Cota to a co-promotional agreement, along with Kochul Promotions. A free-swinging slugger with extremely heavy hands, Cota hails from Los Mochis, Mexico, and boasts an outstanding record of 22 wins (21 KOs) with only one defeat. The 26-year-old is trained by the Montiel Family at their world-class Kochul Gym with superstar stablemates that include three-time world champion Fernando "Kochulito" Montiel, two-time world champion Hugo "El Increíble" Cázares and five-time world champion Jorge "El Travieso" Arce. Cota has already notched a stoppage victory over former world champion Luis Ramon Campas in eight rounds. His only career loss came against current WBC Middleweight Champion Marco Rubio in just his twelfth fight. "I am very excited to be given this opportunity," said Cota. "Sampson is the promoter who can bring me the international fights that showcase my talent and punching power. I will make him and my original promoters, Kochul, very proud with my training and performances." Lewkowicz, the man credited with bringing boxing superstar "Maravilla" Martinez to the world as a then-unknown 154-lb fighter, says Cota has the style and ability and to become a star in boxing. "Jorge Cota is the kind of puncher who fears no one," said Lewkowicz. "He believes in his power and will stand and trade with anyone. He makes for terrific fights every time because he is only interested in landing his bombs, which he does from every angle. Even in his loss, he was able to shake Rubio several times and it was a terrific war. I am looking forward to a strong run at the world championships with Jorge and his wonderful team at Kochul Promotions and the Montiel family."   ABOUT SAMPSON BOXING After a very successful run as a matchmaker and adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz switched over to the promotional side of professional boxing in January 2008. Sampson Boxing has grown into one of the world's most prestigious promotional firms, representing many of the world's best fighters and most promising young contenders. Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America and Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, VS. and several international networks.

Puerto Rican Carlos 'Macho' Lopez wins in Mexico

Last night in Tijuana, Mexico, former Puerto Rican National Champion, Carlos 'Macho' Lopez ( 3-1-1 , 3 KO's ) just needed 37 second to demolish Mexican , Fernando Ramírez ( 0-1 ) in a middleweight division bout, held at the Hangar 27 nightclub. 

"The original opponent ( Hugo Gutierrez ) could not fight, and they brought one that was supposedly a former Tijuana amateur champion. At the weigh-in, he threw a bottle of water at me, and told very out loud that I was going to get knocked out in less than a minute, but I went ahead and finished it in 37 seconds with a body shot", said Carlos 'Macho' Lopez, who is trained by his father, Carlos Lopez,Sr, and managed by Mario Avila and Alan Gomez.

20 year old, 'Macho ' Lopez is set to return on Saturday, April 5 at the Moises Navedo Coliseum in Vega Baja, PR, where in the main event, Emmanuel 'Manny' Rodriguez will face off against Felix 'la Ardilla' Perez.

ALAN SANCHEZ VS. JORGE SILVA TO HEADLINE GOLDEN BOY LIVE! SERIES ON FRIDAY, APRIL 18 FROM THE ILLUSIONS THEATER AT THE ALAMODOME IN SAN ANTONIO LIVE ON FOX SPORTS 1 & FOX DEPORTES

ERROL SPENCE JR. RETURNS TO TEXAS IN CO-MAIN EVENT AND SAN ANTONIO'S RAUL MARTINEZ BATTLES FOR TEXAS BRAGGING RIGHTS AGAINST SERGIO PERALES San Antonio Boxing Fans Can Attend Back-To-Back Fight Nights With Special Ticket Offer For April 17 and April 18 Events SAN ANTONIO, TX (March 19, 2014) - The Illusions Theater at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas will be the center of the boxing world on Friday, April 18, when FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes air the latest edition of Golden Boy Live! in one of the sport's premier hotbeds.  In the main event, Alan Sanchez of Fairfield, Calif. will square off against Tijuana's warrior Jorge "Pantera" Silva of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico in a 10-round welterweight fight guaranteed to produce plenty of hard-hitting action. Plus, 2012 U.S. Olympian Errol Spence Jr. will be back in his home state for a 10-round welterweight bout against an opponent to be named in the co-main event.  The card will also feature an all Texas showdown between San Antonio contender Raul Martinez and Brownsville's Sergio Perales, hot Austin prospect Travell "Black Magic" Mazion, unbeaten San Antonio up and comer Joseph "The Texas Mongoose" Rodriguez Jr. and the professional debut of fan favorite and former amateur star Ryan "Cowboy" Karl of Houston.  The day will start with a card stacked with local amateur fights during the day leading up to the main card of professional fights. But that's not all as on Thursday, April 17 Leija*Battah Promotions will present an additional night of professional boxing at the same venue featuring local fighters.  All patrons who purchase a ticket for the Golden Boy Live! event will receive a free general admission ticket to the Thursdaycard, with those purchasing a ticket in rows 1-5 for Friday's event receiving the same seating forApril 17.  Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. CT with the first bell scheduled to ring at 5:30 p.m. CT. Sanchez vs. Silva, a 10-round welterweight bout, is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions and is sponsored by Corona and O'Reilly Auto Parts.  On Thursday, April 17 the Illusions Theater doors open at 5:00 p.m. CT with the first fight starting at 5:30 p.m. CT and on Friday, April 18 the Illusions Theater doors open at 12:00 p.m. CT for a full slate of amateur bouts, with the professional fights beginning at 5:30 p.m. CT and the FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes broadcast airs live at 10:00 p.m. ET/9:00 p.m. CT/7:00 p.m. PT. Tickets, priced at $112, $74, $52 and $25, are on sale now and may be purchased by calling the Alamodome Box Office at 800-745-3000 or Leija*Battah Promotions at 210-979-3302. Tickets are also available online at www.ticketmaster.com A 23-year-old with a bright future in boxing, Fairfield's Alan Sanchez (12-3-1, 6 KOs) has come a long way in just 16 fights, defeating top level foes like Manuel Leyva and Artemio Reyes.  Even though he lost his most recent bout in September in San Antonio via decision to WBA International Welterweight Champion Luis Collazo, he learned several valuable lessons that he will apply against Silva. Jorge "Pantera" Silva (19-5-2, 15 KOs) of Tijuana is not lacking in experience, as he has been facing anyone and everyone since turning pro in 2008, including Alfredo "El Perro" Angulo and Yoshihiro Kamegai.  At 22-years-old, he hopes to get back on the winning track against Sanchez and will be pulling out all of the stops in search of victory. Coming off of a successful Texas homecoming in February that saw him knock out Peter Oluoch in four rounds, Desoto's Errol Spence Jr. (11-0, 9 KOs) is back in the Lone Star State on April 18 and he's in search of another crowd-pleasing victory.  Then again, that's what the 24-year-old southpaw has been doing consistently since he made his professional debut in November of 2012. The fighting pride of San Antonio, Raul "The Cobra" Martinez (30-3, 18 KOs) has always represented his city well and he is in route to becoming one of the top lightweight fighters in the world.  Still looking for his first shot to a world title, Martinez has won two of his last three bouts and should he be victorious on April 18, his chances are looking stronger than ever.  Brownsville'sSergio Perales (21-1, 15 KOs) is no one's stepping stone and after going 3-1 in his last four bouts, including an 83 second stoppage of former world title challenger Lorenzo Trejo last December, his confidence is sky high heading into his bout with Martinez. A protégé of women's boxing legend Ann Wolfe, Austin junior welterweight Travell "Black Magic" Mazion (7-0, 6 KOs) is already seen as having the tools to become a world champion in the future and he's only 18-years-old.  A blistering puncher with speed for days, Mazion has won his last two fights in San Antonio and he's happy to be back again on April 18. Signed to Golden Boy Promotions and Leija*Battah Promotions, 21-year-old Joseph "The Texas Mongoose" Rodriguez Jr. (5-0, 2 KOs) is coming off of a big 2013 campaign in which he won four consecutive fights without a loss, including three victories in his hometown of San Antonio.  On April 18, he will be back at home to face off with Bay City, Texas' Francisco Arellano. One of Texas' top young boxers, Ryan "Cowboy" Karl won several championships during his amateur days, but now he's ready to test the professional waters.  On April 18, the Houston native will make his debut in his home state in a four-round welterweight bout against an opponent to be named. For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/LeijaBattahPR,www.twitter.com/silvapantera and www.twitter.com/errolspencejr, follow the conversation using #GoldenBoyLive, become a fan on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page and Leija*Battah Facebook Page.  Also, visit us on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing. For more information on FOX Sports 1 and FOX Deportes, visit FOXSports.com and become a follower on @FOXSports1 and @FOXDeportes.

Carlos 'Macho' López is set for his Mexico's debut this Thursday

Former Puerto Rican National Champion, Carlos 'Macho' Lopez, Jr. ( 2-1-1, 1 KO ) is set to make his Mexico's fight debut this Thursday, March, 20th at the Discoteque Hangar 27 in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.

'Macho' is set to face localist, Hugo Gutierrez ( 0-5-1 ), who recently lost a close decision war on February, against prospect, Pastor Elenes ( 8-1, 3 KO ).

"The war between Puerto Rico and Mexico is always interesting, but this time Puerto Rico will prevail", said a confident Carlos 'Macho' López, who at the amateurs ended up with a record of 115-11.

Lopez motivation is intact despite controversy. He was defeated in his pro debut by a rare TKO in the 4th round, and his next fight ended up in a controversial majority draw.

"At the beginning of my career I was having mismanagement issues. On my debut fight, I fought a US National Champion ( Anthony Douglas ), I didn't know who he was, but still, I was winning the fight but then, surprisingly, the referee stopped the match on his favor just after I took a punch", said López,Jr, "about the draw, all I can say is that it was a complete robbery ( vs Marcus Beckford ) I gave him a boxing clinic but now I got no more time for excuses or lamentations because all of thoose things have gave me more experience, and with my new managers ( Alan Gomez and Mario Avila ) at my side, I'm on the winning track", said a confident Carlos López, who trains under the tutelage of his father Carlos López,Sr at 'El Maestro Boxing Gym' in Bronx, New York.

"When a Mexican fights a Puerto Rican in Mexico, you may expect both fighters to come very well prepared because of the boxing history behind both countries but in this case, my son is mentally and physically ready to win by any means necessary", commented father/trainer Carlos López,Sr.

López co-manager Alan Gómez mentioned that:"We are giving 'Macho' a quality professional boxing education. As he moves up the ranks in the middleweight division, we want to give him all the experience possible, including fighting internationally because we know that one day he will be fighting for a world title, and it might not be in the comfort of his home territory. My partner Mario Avila ( co-manager ) and I are actually looking to bring 'Macho' to the West coast for his training camps".

"We want 'Macho' to fight in all possible scenarios. He already has fought in the east coast, now he's fighting in Mexico, and on April, 5 he will be fighting in his hometown of Puerto Rico", said co-manager, Manuel Avila.

GARCIA - BURGOS PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEO AND INTERVIEWS

NEW YORK (JANUARY 24, 2013)--Below is the video from Thursday's press conference plus interviews with WBO Jr. Lightweight champion Mikey Garcia, challenger Juan Carlos Burgos and Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. Garcia Burgos Final Press Conference Juan Carlos Burgos   Mikey Garcia 012314   Bob Arum 012314 The Garcia - Burgos world junior lightweight title fight takes place on Saturday, January 25, and will be televised live from The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York, on HBO Boxing After Dark®, beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.   The telecast will open with a 10-round heavyweight battle between Jennings and Szpilka. The Garcia - Burgos world championship event will be promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Banner Promotions, Thompson Boxing Promotions, Gary Shaw Productions, Warriors Boxing Promotions, Madison Square Garden and Tecate. Remaining tickets, priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.thegarden.com.    For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, www.banner-promotions.com www.thompsonboxing.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/banner-promotions, facebook.com/thompsonboxing or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing,twitter.com/trboxeo, twitter.com/bannerboxing,  twitter.com/thompsonboxing or twitter.com/hboboxing.  Use the Hashtag #GarciaBurgos to join the conversation on Twitter.

World Junior Lightweight Championship MIKEY GARCIA - JUAN CARLOS BURGOS Conference Call Transcript

From Respective Training Camps in Oxnard, Calif. And Tijuana, Mexico;

Joined by Promoters Bob Arum, Artie Pelullo and Alex Camponova

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Undefeated World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight champion and 2013 Fighter of the Year nomineeMIKEY GARCIA (33-0, 28 KOs), of Oxnard, Calif., and two-time world title challenger and current No. 1 contenderJUAN CARLOS BURGOS (30-1-2, 20 KOs), of Tijuana, México, hosted an international Media Conference Call from their respective training camps on Tuesday.  Garcia and Burgos are in the final weeks of training before their world title fight collision at The Mecca of Boxing -- Madison Square Garden in New York.

The Garcia - Burgos world junior lightweight title fight takes place on Saturday, January 25 and will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark®, beginning at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT.  The telecast will open with a 10-round battle between undefeated heavyweight contenders Bryant Jennings and Artur Szpilka.

BOB ARUM:  This is going to be a great fight and this is going to be a great event.  It's wonderful for me personally to be back in New York and back in Madison Square Garden.

ARTIE PELULLO:  I would like to thank everyone involved in the show.  There was a disappointment when Juan Carlos had the draw against Rocky Martinez last January.  We did believe he won the fight but nevertheless, the WBO and Paco Valcarcel made Juan Carlos the number one contender and Alex and I were able to make an arrangement with Carl and Bob that we would be the first title defense and we are grateful for that and Bob's right - it is going to be a real good fight.  These are both good fighters.  Mikey Garcia is at the top of his game and it's going to be a difficult fight for our guy and we believe he is going to win the fight and he has been training hard in Tijuana.  You are going to see two guys that don't know how to back up and everybody knows that so it's going to be a great fight.

ALEX CAMPONOVA:  Juan Carlos has had two chances for a world title.  We know about Mikey Garcia and Juan Carlos has been preparing like we have never seen before.

JUAN CARLOS BURGOS:  Good afternoon to all of you and it's a great honor for me to speak to you all.  And I want to say hello to all of you from Tijuana.

MIKEY GARCIA:  I'm happy to be back.  It was a great fight last time I was at The Garden and I am looking forward to this opponent who is in front of me.  I know he will be difficult - he has had great accomplishments in the boxing ring. After his last fight a lot of people thought he should have been the champion.  It's going to be a good fight and it's going to be a good card.  There are some really good fighters and Burgos and I are going to put on a great show for the fans.

Mikey, how do you feel about fighting in New York?

MIKEY GARCIA:  It's really good for me to fight on the east coast and in New York.  This is a real big boxing venue - big fights, historic fights have taken place there and I just want to make sure the fans see a good show and remember watching me fight in that arena.  They are real boxing fans there.  They are not just there to watch the main event.  They are there to watch the whole night of boxing.  That's what is great about being in New York.  And boxing is alive and it's great and I am really happy to be back.

Do you feel fighting in New York makes you a bigger star? 

MIKEY GARCIA:  Fighting in New York is a great feeling.  And fighting in Madison Square Garden is a big deal to me, but it all depends on if the fans don't show up it doesn't matter.  If they do come and show their support and show their love and admire me as a fighter - that is what I strive for and that's the best.

Did you watch the Burgos-Martinez fight while you were in the dressing room?

MIKEY GARCIA:  I didn't get to watch the fight when it happened and I have only watched a couple of rounds from that fight.  My dad and Robert watch the video of my opponents.  I just watch a couple of rounds here and there.

What is your plan at this weight class?

MIKEY GARCIA:  We will have to look at the options after this fight.  Hopefully everything turns out well next week and we can move forward with our plans.  We'd have to look at the top fighters in the next weight class and if I do that I have to grow into the weight class.  I would like to unify the titles before moving up but if there is something better at 135 then I will go there.  Then I can unify the titles there or move up to 140 if the right fight is there or what options are available. It's not easy to put a fight together and in this business you've got to look at everything before you can move up in weight class.

MIKEY GARCIA:  I would have to make a fight at 135 before moving up to 140.  I feel that 135 would be a very good division for me and I think I can do something in the lightweight division.

Talk about how the Amidu fight played out?

JUAN CARLOS BURGOS:  I am in a perfect position at 130 lbs.  Yes I took that fight but it was important to do it.  I couldn't back out of it and compromise the promoters and the venue and the TV - I wasn't going to back out of a main event fight.  Obviously the jump in weight affected me because I was prepared to fight a smaller guy or a guy with a smaller frame.  However, I watched the fight a couple of times and it looked like the judges were going against me - it was the second time I had a draw - the first was against Martinez and the second one was against Amidu.  I felt strong throughout the fight - I didn't think he hurt me or anything and according to what I saw I thought I won the fight - it may have been a short margin but I thought I won the fight.

Bob, do you feel Mikey is a Top-10 Pound for Pound fighter?

BOB ARUM:  Yes, I believe that he is a Top-10 Pound for Pound fighter right now and soon he will be universally accepted as the best pound-for-pound fighter in boxing.

What makes you say that from his last couple of fights?

BOB ARUM:  He's a complete fighter - he has great technique and great defense.  He is a powerful puncher and when he throws his punches it is with great intent.  In other words he doesn't waste a lot of punches.  He measures his opponent and then throws his punches accordingly with a lot of power.  So he is a complete fighter and he is getting better.

 Mikey, do you feel you are Top-10 Pound-for-Pound?

MIKEY GARCIA:  I do feel I am at least a Top 10.  I'm just starting as world champion and I still have a lot to prove.  I had some good fights last year but I am just here to do my job.  I don't pay that much attention to ratings to Top 10 lists - I just take it one fight at a time.

Juan Carlos, you are taller than other Garcia opponents - do you think that is an advantage?

JUAN CARLOS BURGOS:  I know that I am tall for the division and when I was fighting at 126 I was tall for that division.  I will try to use that to my advantage against Garcia because I know that I am taller than he.  I will try to maximize all of my qualities inside the ring and at the same time try and exploit all of the mistakes that Garcia might make in the fight.  As far as the Martinez fight comparing how each of us did - again that was a difficult chapter and whatever happened that night happened and I can't dwell on that anymore.  You all know that decision is on my record and I can't change it.  The only think I concentrate on right now is my future fight and that is against Garcia on the 25th. Nothing else matters to me.  I am extremely focused and worked very hard like never before to fight a great champion like he is.  I have prepared myself mentally and physically with my team for the 25th and that's all that matters to me.

How important is it for you to fight in New York?

JUAN CARLOS BURGOS:  It is an honor and a privilege to fight again at Madison Square Garden in a historic place where legends have been made.  It is a pleasure for me to be there for the second time in my career - especially against a fighter like Mikey Garcia who is a young champion that I truly respect because of all his achievements.  But all of my respect for him will go out the window on the 25th because I have a goal in mind and that is to become world champion.  I have to do my job to take away his undefeated record and I am working extremely hard to achieve that goal.

MIKEY GARCIA:  It is an honor to be fighting in Madison Square Garden.  A lot of great fights have take place there and I hope the fans will remember this fight also.  People have treated me very well in New York and I hope that everything goes well for me next week there.

Because of your last two fights ended in draws - do you feel you need to KO your opponent?

JUAN CARLOS BURGOS:  You can say that those two draws were not just.  I worked very hard in those fights to get the win and unfortunately two judges did not appreciate my work in the ring.  But like I said before I am not looking at the past - I am looking at the immediate future, which is Mikey Garcia.  In regards to the knockout, I don't think about that. Like most fighters in the world today - I let him come to me and we see what happens.  I am just going to go out there and do my work and to put everything into play what I have practiced.

Bob, how do you see the future schedule of Mikey Garcia?

BOB ARUM:  It's one fight at a time.  A lot is happening in boxing and it happens really quick.  Mikey is one of the few American stars in boxing.  We have Mikey and Andre Ward, Floyd Mayweather and Timothy Bradley and there are not many other Americans who qualify as superstars.  I envision - Mikey is taking on a lot of these non-Americans in really big fights and where that takes him I am not sure.  Does it take him up in weight to 135 or 140 then a fight with Pacquiao or does it take him to a tremendous confrontation with Lomachenko if Lomachenko proves himself with Orlando Salido [March 1] and goes forward.  Lomachenko, based on his amateur background, was the greatest amateur of all time.  Will he be as successful in the pros and if he is will Mikey Garcia be his biggest fight?  A lot can happen so we go one fight at a time. - whether he goes up, stays at 130 - that's going to depend on what's happening in boxing.

Is a fight with Pacquiao in his future?

BOB ARUM:  Mikey will tell you himself.  He was over in Macau when his stablemate, Brandon Rios fought Pacquiao, and he mentioned to some that down the road he would look forward to a fight with Manny Pacquiao.  I am a big Mikey Garcia fans and I thought that would be good.

How is it going with Alex Ariza:

MIKEY GARCIA:  A lot of people talk - they complain and say get rid of him.  But it works well for me and I like working with the guy so why would I change it?

What if you do fight Pacquiao and have Ariza in your corner?

MIKEY GARCIA:  I feel really good working with Ariza and you could see the results when he worked with Pacquiao. He kept moving up in divisions and dominated everyone.  If we can do the same thing with me that only makes me a better fighter.  We want the best team to help me perform the best.  I don't want to move up in weight class because I am lazy and don't want to train hard.  I will move up when my body is ready to go into that division and with Alex that will help me and I'll be a lot better than if he wasn't working with me.

Mikey, could you move down?  Do you want to stay at 130 or move up?

MIKEY GARCIA:  Right now I feel really good at 130.  I could probably come down to 126.  Even in my last fight everything was gong real well and the weight was coming off and I thought I could get to 126.   But everyone, Robert, my dad, Alex, Top Rank, would like for me to stay at 130 or move up to 135.  I think the plans to come back to 126 are no longer there.  I think there are better things at a higher weight class.

MIKEY GARCIA:  I am a thinking fighter in the ring.  I work to pick my opportunities.  I don't watch any film of my opponents.  I don't only look at offense but I look at defense also and that allows me to be the fighter that I am.  When I got knocked down against Martinez I got back up and went to work.  I don't get too excited either.  I try to keep focus on the game plan and I do what I have to do t win the fight.  If I need to take another round or two to get adjusted to an opponent I will do that.

You remind me of the tough fighters from the past that could hit like a mule...

MIKEY GARCIA: That is great to be compared to old time fighters and to have my name mentioned with them is an honor.

Juan Carlos, you are actually fighting for a title that should be yours, will that change the way you approach the fight - do you feel you need a KO?

JUAN CARLOS BURGOS:  It is true that I deserved to win the title last year - January in New York.  So now I have to try and win it again but I am at ease with myself because of the three months I have put in the gym but it's not going to be an easy task because Mikey is a great champion but I feel very strong.  

Final

Comments:

JUAN CARLOS BURGOS:  To all the fans I hope you get to see the fight either live at The Garden or on HBO on the 25th.  I think it's going to be a great fight to start the year.  I have trained to the best of my ability to give everything I have inside the ring and to showcase myself.  I hope for the both of us we have real good judges so that the real winner's hand is raised after the fight.

MIKEY GARCIA:  Thank you, everyone and I am looking forward to the fight next week in New York and hope for a good experience once again and give the fans a great fight.

BOB ARUM:  I would like to thank HBO for putting this fight on the air - this fight along with the heavyweight fight between Jennings and Szpilka.  I understand from the attorney Leon Margules that he is very optimistic that Szpilka will obtain his visa and will be coming to the United States this weekend.  So I look forward to a great night at Madison Square Garden - there will also be a lot of young stars to accompany this match - Seanie Monaghan is on the card, Felix Verdejo will be on the card, the dynamic fighter from Philadelphia Jesse Hart will be on the card along with many other good fighters.  It will be a terrific night of boxing at Madison Square Garden on the 25th

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Promoted by Top Rank®, in association with Banner Promotions, Thompson Boxing Promotions, Gary Shaw Productions, Warriors Boxing Promotions, Madison Square Garden and Tecate, remaining tickets to the Garcia - Burgos world championship event, priced at $200, $100, $50 and $25, can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone 

(866-858-0008), and online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.thegarden.com.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com, www.banner-promotions.com www.thompsonboxing.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo, facebook.com/banner-promotions, facebook.com/thompsonboxing or facebook.com/hboboxing, and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing,twitter.com/trboxeo, twitter.com/bannerboxing,  twitter.com/thompsonboxing or twitter.com/hboboxing.  

Use the Hashtag #GarciaBurgos to join the conversation on Twitter.