Christmas Present Arrives Early: Lewkowicz Renews Contract with Fortuna

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing got his Christmas present a day early this year, as former interim WBA World featherweight Champion Javier "El Abejon" Fortuna has renewed his long-term promotional contract. One of the sport's most exciting knockout punchers, 25-year-old Fortuna (26-0-1, 19 KOs), from the Dominican Republic, is considered an irreplaceable member of the Sampson Boxing stable. "This is my gift for this year, to continue working with a budding superstar like Javier," said Lewkowicz. "He is on the verge of stardom and, like all my fighters, he is also like a son to me. I admire all of their loyalty and I wish them all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays." Lewkowicz also says the future is looking bright once again for everyone in boxing and sends his warmest regards. "2015 will be a great year for my fighters and for boxing and I want to wish all my co-workers and brothers and sisters in boxing my sincerest wishes for a wonderful holiday." 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.

Lewkowicz Congratulates Escandon, Promises Cave Another Shot

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz sends his congratulations to his fighter, Colombia's Oscar Escandon (24-1, 14 KOs), who captured the interim WBA super bantamweight title with a 12-round split decision over Canada's Tyson Cave (22-3, 6 KOs), Thursday night at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California. But because of the controversy over the scoring (117-111, 115-113 Escandon against 115-113 Cave), Lewkowicz also has a strong assurance for Canada's Tyson Cave, whom he also promotes. "I wish to congratulate Oscar Escandon for his victory first of all," said Lewkowicz. "I am very happy for him winning his first world championship. However, I think there is enough question about the decision that I want Tyson Cave to know something: If the WBA doesn't order an immediate rematch of this fight, I am personally making a promise to him that I will get him another big opportunity. He will be back, no matter what." To most, it appeared Cave had soundly outboxed Escandon throughout their fight, but two of the judges saw a different fight and awarded 30-year-old Escandon the verdict. And so, Lewkowicz says he must wait to see what will play out between the sanctioning body and the two fighters. "I will see what the WBA does before I make the next move with either fighter," continued Lewkowicz. "And then either they will fight again to prove one clear winner or one will go after (WBA Champ) Scott Quigg and I will find the other another big fight." 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.

Kiko Martinez, Gabriel Campillo Back in ActionThis Friday in Spain

Former IBF World super Bantamweight Champion Kiko "La Sensación" Martinez and former WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Gabriel "Chico Guapo" Campillo will return to action in their home countries of Spain this Friday, December 12, at the Palau Olímpic Vall d'Hebron in Barcelona. The IBF #8- and WBO #11-rated Martinez (31-5, 23 KOs) will drop back down to his natural weight of 118 lbs. to face French southpaw Amor Belahdi Ali (13-3-1, 2 KOs) in an eight-round battle. Meanwhile, Campillo (24-6-1, 11 KOs), continuing to stay busy while waiting for another high-profile showdown, will face Czech veteran Tomas Adamek (21-10-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-round bout. The pair of former world champs will headline a seven-fight night of boxing, presented by former middleweight champion Sergio Martinez and his Maravillabox, in association with Javier Gallego's Gallego Prada Promociones. For tickets, visit www.marcaentradas.com or www.ticketmaster.es. "Kiko was never a super bantamweight, he was always at his best at 118 lbs.," said his promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. "He only took the great opportunity offered to him at 122 lbs and made the most of it, by winning the title and defending it twice. He will be even stronger at bantamweight and will be fighting for a world championship in the near future." Lewkowicz says that for Campillo, it is a waiting game. "Gabriel Campillo has earned another big fight with his IBF #2 elimination-fight victory over Thomas Williams Jr. So now we keep him sharp and busy while we wait for a big fight for him." Campillo, says Lewkowicz, would love another shot at a fighter who defeated him in January 2013. "We would love to face (now WBA Super and IBF World and WBO World Light Heavyweight Champion) Sergey Kovalev again. That was not the real Gabriel Campillo in with him that night. He was distracted by other things. Fully focused as he is now, the real Gabriel Campillo could give a slugger like Kovalev a very hard time." Co-promoter and credited with discovering the special talent that is Sergio Martinez, Lewkowicz says he will continue his association with the great champion, even after Martinez retires. "Sampson Boxing and Maravillabox will forever be tied together. I have worked with Sergio Martinez for over eight years now and he is a true gentleman and I am proud to partner with him at every opportunity. I wish him all the best with this terrific show he is bringing to the beautiful country of Spain."

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.

LEWKOWICZ INKS LIGHTWEIGHT JAIRO LLANES TO A PROMOTIONAL DEAL

Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing is proud to announce the signing of lightweight prospect Jairo "Jimmy" Llanes (7-0-1, 6 KOs) to a long-term exclusive promotional contract. From a fighting family, Llanes, from Los Mochis Sinaloa, Mexico, is the son of former Mexican Junior Middleweight and Middleweight Champion, as well as world title challenger, Jaime Llanes, who was stopped in seven rounds by then-WBO champion Verno Phillips in 1994. In fact, Llanes says he dedicates his career to his father who, due to his bad lifestyle and partying habits, wasted what could have been a great a career. He has vowed not to follow in his father's footsteps. 20-year-old Llanes will make his debut under the Sampson Boxing banner on Friday, December 5 at the Arena Union in Los Mochis, when the takes on fellow Mexican Mao Corona in a six-round battle. Llanes vs. Corona will serve as the co-main event of the evening. WBA #13 ranked middleweight contender Jorge "Demonio" Cota will face tough veteran Esau Herrera of Mexico City in the eight-round main event. The night of boxing is promoted by Sampson Boxing and Martin Estrada's M Master Promotions. "Jimmy is a very talented prospect and is already very popular in his native Los Mochis," said Sampson Lewkowicz. "He is the third fighter brought to me by my trusted advisor in Mexico, Fernando Dominguez from Dominguez Promotions (along with Jorge Cota and Hugo "Cuatito" Ruiz). Fernando is my right-hand man in the country and he says this young fighter has what it takes." Llanes started boxing at age eight and had 70 amateur fights, losing just four. Highly decorated, Llanes fought in 29 amateur championship fights and lost only twice. As a professional, he has stopped his last four opponents. "I'm happy to be working with Jimmy and I predict big things for his future," continued Lewkowicz. "We will bring him along at the right speed and help him become the next great fighter to come from Mexico." 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.

Perez to Face Uchiyama for WBA Super Featherweight Belt on December 31

Argentinean super featherweight contender Israel "Cachito" Perez (27-2-1, 16 KOs) will finally fulfill his dream of fighting for a world title when he faces unbeaten Japanese Champion Takashi "KO Dynamite" Uchiyama (21-0-1, 17 KOs) for the WBA Super Featherweight Championship on December 31 at the Ota City General Gym in Tokyo, Japan. 35-year-old Perez's career has taken off since joining forces with promoters Sampson Lewkowicz and Maravilla Box. The ex-Olympian and national and regional professional champion is coming of an eighth round destruction of Carlos Rodriguez for the WBA FEDEBOL Super featherweight title, earning him the 9th spot in the WBA ratings. Perez and trainer Carlos Tello will need to work hard and come up with an excellent game plan to defeat a solid champion like Uchiyama, who is making the ninth defense of his title he won in January of 2010 with a twelfth round stoppage of Juan Carlos Salgado. "I would like to thank Sampson Boxing and Sergio 'Maravilla' Martinez, who are the ones responsible for this great opportunity. Without them, this would not have been possible," said a happy Perez. "I have experience. I am in shape and I am very much aware that I am going to bring the championship home. I will not disappoint and will make my dream of becoming champion of the world a reality. Uchiyama is a good boxer, but not unbeatable. I am going to Japan with only one thing in mind: to be crowned WBA Super featherweight Champion of the World." Perez vs. Uchiyama is promoted by Hitoshi Watanabe and will be televised by TyC Sport of Argentina. 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.

John Jackson Returns, Looking for Redemption and Revenge Against Jerez

Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, junior middleweight dynamo John "Dah Rock" Jackson (18-2, 15 KOs) will return to action on Saturday, November 15, 2014, at the Quorum Córdoba Hotel in Cordoba, Argentina, against hometown veteran Carlos Adan "El Malevo" Jerez (40-17-3, 18 KOs). Presented by Sampson Boxing, Maravillabox, Tello-Box and J.E.B. Boxing, Jackson vs. Jerez will serve as one of the main supporting bouts for a night of boxing headlined by Carolina Marcela Gutierrez (22-4-1, 13 KOs) taking on Yulihan Luna Avila (11-2, 1 KO) for the vacant IBF World female super bantamweight title. 25-year-old Jackson says his fight against Jerez will serve two purposes: First, Jerez was the first fighter to pin a loss on his cousin, Samuel Rogers and so some family-style revenge is on the menu. Secondly, this will be Jackson's first fight since his shock KO loss to Ireland's Andy Lee last June at Madison Square Garden. Fighting on the PPV-broadcast undercard of Martinez vs. Cotto, Jackson dominated every minute of the first four rounds against the highly rated Lee before running into perfectly timed right hand at 1:07 of round five. Jackson had put Lee down in round one and battered him around the ring non-stop, but got careless against the dangerous puncher as he was moving in for the kill. "John knows he got careless against Lee," said Jackson's promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz. "He knows what he did wrong and paid a heavy price for it. He was beating Andy Lee all over the ring and forgot about his defense. It's something that will never happen again." Lewkowicz says Jackson is still young and will be able to recover from the surprise loss quickly. "He's a very strong, good young fighter and he learned a very important lesson against a fighter with a lot more experience. But before the lucky punch, it was apparent that John Jackson is a top fighter who can handle other highly rated contenders in his division very well. Once he gets his revenge for his cousin Samuel against Jerez, he will continue to rebuild by taking on tough foes to regain his position in the rankings. This is far from the last of John Jackson. It was just a learning experience on his way to the championship." Gutierrez vs. Avila and Jackson vs. Jerez will be televised live on Argentina's TyC Sports. 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.

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.

Sampson Boxing Signs Prospect Duo from Houston

Karim Martinez and Craig Baker Join All-Star Stable Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing proudly announces the signing of 23-year-old junior welterweight Karim "KC" Martinez (15-1, 7 KOs) and 30-year-old light heavyweight Craig "El Gato Negro" Baker (14-0, 10 KOs), both of Houston Texas, to promotional contracts. Southpaw Karim Martinez is blessed with natural athletic ability that helped him win the Texas State Golden Gloves Champion in 2008, as well as to become runner up at the National PAL Tournament in 2007. A slick, pure-boxing technician who uses angles and can fight moving forward or back with equal effectiveness, Martinez mixes offense and defense with amazing smoothness and fluidity. A natural to the sport, Baker entered Lopez Boxing Club in 2005, weighing a whopping 293 lbs and looking to cut weight. Baker lost his amateur debut and then went on to win the Texas State Golden Gloves and the Texas State USA Championships in both 2007 and 2008. Baker was also runner up at the National PAL Tournament in 2007, a quarter finalist in both the National USA Championships Tournament and the National Golden Gloves, which earned him a USA boxing national ranking of #3. As a professional, the undefeated Baker has become a seasoned pressure fighter who wears opponents down intelligently. I'm really excited to have signed with Sampson," said Martinez. "In my career, I haven't had much exposure or chance to show everybody what I can do. Now that I have Sampson, I'm really excited and ready to perform to the best of my abilities and see where it takes me in boxing." "It feels great to be working with Sampson," said Baker. "It's wonderful to have the opportunity to actually be able to be successful. All I needed was a shot. I'm going to make the most of it." Trainer of both fighters, Juan Lopez of Lopez Boxing in in Bay Town, Texas, says he brought his two star pupils to Sampson based on word of mouth. "I met Sampson when Chris John fought Rocky Juarez in Houston. I was the one that coordinated the training camp for John. Everything I heard about Sampson from John's people, Craig Christian and Tony Tolj, I liked. Craig gave him the nickname 'The Picasso of Boxing' because he paints the game of boxing, and I always thought to myself that if I ever have a kid good enough to fight at the international level, I would go to him. Well, now I do. I have two. And that's why I took them both to Sampson. Thanks to Sampson for giving us the opportunity. Staying active is very hard here in Texas and he's going to really help us with that." "Both of these fighters have tremendous potential," said Sampson Lewkowicz. "I have already started work to put them in important fights and show off their talent. I expect both will be established contenders within a very short time. I'm looking forward to working with Juan and Karim and Craig and helping them get the most of their careers." Martinez will make his Sampson Boxing debut on October 3 in Buenos Aires against Nazareno Ruiz (29-15, 9 KOs) from Argentina. Baker's debut will be announced shortly. 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.

Sampson Boxing Reaches Promotional Agreement with Canada's Tyson Cave

Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing is proud to announce the signing of Halifax, Nova Scotia's Tyson "Prince of Hali" Cave (24-2, 8 KOs) to a promotional agreement. A former five-time Canadian champion as an amateur (record 160-16), 32-year-old Cave has already won the WBC Continental Americas Super Bantamweight, the CAM (Canadian American Mexican) Super Bantamweight and the Canadian Super Bantamweight Championships as a professional. He is currently rated #5 in the world by the WBA. "It's a great honor to be joining Sampson's promotional stable. He works with guys like (former middleweight world champion) Sergio Martinez, and now I'm working with him," said Cave. "I've been working very hard and patiently waiting for the chance to reach my potential. I'm very grateful to Sampson Lewkowicz for investing in me. I won't disappoint him." A flashy, colorful and confident southpaw with excellent speed and movement, Cave says his greatest strength as a fighter is his unpredictability. "The great thing about me is I don't think I ever know what I'll do in the ring. I like the cameras and the limelight. I'm flashy. I jump. I come up with unique ways to hit a person and I'm very hard to hit back." Cave's trainer, Bunny Phillips from Titans Boxing Academy in Halifax, says the deal with Sampson Boxing will solve the one problem they have had with Cave's professional career, thus far. "The problem with Tyson has always been finding him fights. He makes guys look bad. We've been trying to get him fights all over the world and nobody will fight him, so this deal will allow us to let a world-class promoter like Sampson line the fights up for us." Robert Cave, Tyson's father and former promoter, agrees with Phillips that the deal with Sampson Boxing is a good fit and shares his son's lofty aspirations. "We are extremely delighted and looking forward to a great relationship. We plan on bringing another world championship to Sampson Boxing." Cave is not the shy type. His first fight under the Sampson promotional banner will be against stable mate Oscar Escandon late this year... a fight Cave feels is a bad career move for his opponent. "To be totally honest, Escandon is lucky to be #2 in the world. He's done his career the easy way. I've done it the hard way. I'm down here in Nova Scotia where nobody's ever heard of me. He gets these easy fights to build his record up and I'm here grinding. He better learn how to move and be ready for some unbelievable speed. I think he's flat-footed and it'll be a big problem for him that night." Cave's chief sparring partner, Dan Trenaman, agrees that Escandon is in for a surprise when the two meet. "I've sparred all over Canada and there's nobody that moves like Tyson and has his rhythm. He loves to perform and be in front of the crowd. He loves the lights. When your confidence is at 100% like his is, there are no nerves. He's got that kind of mentality. He's unpredictable and he's really become more of a puncher as he's advanced. He's really adapted to the pro game." Lewkowicz says he's happy to be able to help Cave's struggle with inactivity and is looking forward to giving him the chance to prove himself on the world stage. "Tyson is a very confident fighter," said Lewkowicz. "He wants the chance to become a world champion and said he needed help landing the fights to get him there. That's what I will do for him and I have great confidence in his ability to make the most of it." 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.

Campillo Looking for his Next 'Dance' Partner

Former world light heavyweight champion Gabriel Campillo (24-6-1, 11 KOs) is looking for his next dance partner. Coming off a career-rejuvenating victory over formerly undefeated Thomas Williams Jr., on August 1, live on ESPN Friday Night Fights at the Little Creek Casino in Shelton, Washington, in which he stopped Williams in five rounds, "The Handsome Man," Campillo next wants to "tango" with any other top light heavyweight in the world. "Gabriel Campillo, with his upset elimination-bout victory over the undefeated Williams, not only gained the right to be number two in the IBF ratings, but is also number nine in the WBC ratings," said his exclusive promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz of Sampson Boxing. "He is back and looking forward to becoming world champion once again." Professional boxing has been a difficult dance for Campillo, who before suffering losses to two of the top light heavyweights in the world, Sergey Kovalev and Andrey Fonfara (a fight in which he was winning when stopped), the 35-year-old Campillo was outright robbed in high-profile fights against former or current champions Beibut Shumenov, Karo Murat and Tavoris Cloud. "The headlines after the Cloud fight said it was a Texas robbery in the American Bank Center. He should be 27-3 with his only losses in the last seven years against Kovalev and Fonfara," continued Lewkowicz. "His victory over Williams shows that working with his stablemate Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez and the team from Maravilla Box has him back to being one of the best in the world. He was not supposed to win that fight, according to the experts, but he used his southpaw stance to open up a cut and then worked on it until the fight had to be stopped. He showed a level of accuracy and skill only top fighters ever reach." Lewkowicz says he is currently looking for Campillo's next opponent, one that will continue the fighter's mission to reclaim his championship. "Gabriel has told me he feels better than he has in years and is ready for anyone. I will be looking to put him in a fight that will show the world the great tango dancer from Spain, Gabriel "Chico Guapo" Campillo, still has plenty of moves left to show." 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.

'Rock City Cobra' Samuel Rogers Feeling Ready to Take on 'Latin Snake' Sergio Mora this Saturday, May 31, at DiBella Entertainment and Sampson Boxing's 'REAL FIGHTS' at Tropicana in Las Vegas

U.S. Virgin Islands-based middleweight contender Samuel "Rock City Cobra" Rogers says he's ready for the biggest fight of his career this Saturday, May 31. Rogers (14-1, 8 KOs) will face former WBA junior middleweight world champion and "The Contender" champion, WBA #10-rated Sergio "The Latin Snake" Mora (25-3-2, 8 KOs) in an eight-rounder that will serve as the chief supporting bout on DiBella Entertainment's and Sampson Boxing's (in association with Right Hook Promotions) event entitled "Real Fights" in the Tropicana Pavilion at the New Tropicana Resort in Las Vegas. The co-main events that night will be telecast live on HBO Latino and HBO2 (12 midnight [ET/PT]) and feature a 10-round super featherweight battle between Dominican former world champion Javier "El Abejon" Fortuna (24-0-1, 18 KOs) and heavy-handed Mexican contender Juan Antonio Rodriguez (26-4, 23 KOs), as well as an "All Puerto Rico" 10-round super bantamweight war between undefeated Luis Rosa (16-0, 7 KOs)  and Luis "Orlandito" Del Valle (18-1, 13 KOs). Tickets for "Real Fights" are priced at $85, $65 and $37 (plus applicable taxes). They are available for purchase online (www.troplv.com), in person at the Tropicana Las Vegas Show Tickets desk or by phone (800-829-9034). Rogers knows he'll be coming in as the underdog in this bout, as he suffered his first professional loss in his last fight, a 10-round decision to Argentina's Carlos Adan Jerez, in Argentina, last February. But says it's a role he is looking forward to playing in this battle of "serpentine" middleweights. How did training go for this fight? Training was awesome. We stepped it up and brought in guys from Puerto Rico and Spain for sparring. Long and lanky guys, who don't do a lot of punching but are explosive and sharp. They were all very good fighters too, not chumps I can walk over. They pushed my stamina to where I need to be, conditioning-wise. Working hard at that level put me in a new mind frame and made it seem as if I was in the fight already. My stamina is tremendous. I'm really confident and I can't wait to step in the ring. What have you learned so far about your opponent, Sergio Mora? The guy talks a lot. He has a big mouth and that's expected of him. That's how he is. I just need to stay calm and relax. For me, the fight will begin at the press conference because he'll be trying to get in my head. I have to stay poised and get ready for that bell. He's a spot fighter. He doesn't fight the whole three minutes of every round. He does bursts and then goes into a void for another minute and a half. He doesn't hit that hard. He's a technician. The one thing that is positive in his favor is he's durable. He can do ten rounds, so I'm expecting to go ten with him. If I catch him with a good punch, I'll try to stop him early. I'm looking forward to a good explosive fight. You lost your last fight. What have you learned from that experience? Staying focused, being relaxed. No matter what happens in a fight; if I'm cut or get an injury, I have to stick to the game plan and listen to my corner. They can see more than I can when I'm in there. What would a victory over Sergio Mora mean to you? It's going to put me where I need to be. I'm rated number 16 by the NABF. He's number 9. I'm going to take his spot and call out guys like Peter Quillin and Gennady Golovkin and all the champs at 160. Tell me about the support you receive from the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands? The fans back home are unbelievable. We got a lot of sponsors behind us too, too many to mention them all from memory. Everybody back home comes out and supports us. The sponsors have made it possible for me to be here with their support. I want to thank everyone from the USVI and all my sponsors. Without all of you, I wouldn't be able to do this. How do you envision this fight with Mora unfolding? He's going to get frustrated and try to come in and pressure me and wear me down, mentally. He'll try to get in my head by talking a lot of smack. I need to be aggressive, throw combinations and never back up. I need to stick to the jab, keep that telephone pole in his face all night long like Vernon Forrest did to him. ### In separate bouts, hometown favorites Rocco Santomauro (11-0) and Jesus Gutierrez (11-0) both put their unblemished record on the line when Santomauro squares off against Daniel Quevedo and Gutierrez takes on Pablo Becerra. For fight updates, visit www.dbe1.com, www.hbo.com/boxing andwww.troplv.com, Facebook (facebook.com/dibellaentertainment,facebook.com/hboboxing)and Twitter (twitter.com/dibellaent,twitter.com/loudibella, twitter.com/sampsonboxing). Tweet this: LIVE doubleheader boxing event @TropLV feat. @AbejonFortuna vs J. Rodríguez & L. Rosa vs L. Del Valle! @HBOLatino About The New Tropicana Las Vegas | TropLV.com Welcome to affordable luxury. The New Tropicana resort in Las Vegas redefines the expectations of today's global travelers with a recently completed $200 million transformation that provides a casually elegant experience on the Las Vegas Strip. With a unique South Beach vibe, the resort features all-new rooms, suites and luxury villas that evoke the sentiment of a breezy beach house or penthouse in Miami, a fresh redesign of the 50,000-square-foot casino, several award-winning restaurants, a new race and sports book, and Glow®, a Mandara Spa and fitness center. First-class entertainment includes headliners in the all-new Tropicana Theater, Laugh Factory and live music in the Tropicana Lounge. Coming spring 2014, the Tropicana Theater will be home to the smash hit musical MAMMA MIA!