CHRIS "THE NIGHTMARE" ARREOLA STUNS SETH MITCHELL WITH FIRST ROUND KNOCKOUT

Esquivias Stops Marquez In Nine    

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INDIO, Calif. (Sept. 7, 2013) - Chris "The Nightmare" Arreola made short work of Seth Mitchell, dispatching the younger fighter in just 2-minutes 26-seconds of round one in the main event of Saturday's SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. In the co-feature, Efrain Esquivias stopped Mexican legend Rafael Marquez in the ninth round of their 10-round junior featherweight bout.

Arreola of nearby Riverside, Calif., came into the fight feeling that Mitchell was out of his league. And he proved it.   

  

A well-conditioned and poised Arreola landed a clubbing right hand in one of the first exchanges of the bout. Mitchell was stunned and already on wobbly legs. Following a push down, and moments later a clean knockdown, veteran referee Jack Reiss halted the action late in the round as Mitchell was unable to defend himself against the power punches of "The Nightmare".   

  

"I want to thank myself for putting the work in," said a fresh and jubilant Arreola after the stoppage. "I worked my ass off in Phoenix preparing for this fight. I respect Seth for his power, but the big difference for me was in training camp."

Arreola's lack of preparation for big fights has been well documented. Coming into Fantasy Springs, he knew he needed to prove to his team, boxing fans and, most of all, to himself that he was not a shot fighter and certainly no stepping stone for Seth Mitchell.

"I have been my only downfall," he continued. "I should only have one loss on my record. All my other losses are on me for not training properly. But I came here to win tonight. And it was easy work."    

A stunned Mitchell said, "I got caught. I am very disappointed. I was confident in my ability to win this fight. My heart just hurts right now. This was a big fight for both of us, a fight that I wanted. I didn't want to step back after beating Jonathan Banks."

For Marquez, the Mexican warrior who is likely bound for the Hall of Fame, his reflexes and power simply were not there against the younger challenger. In his first fight back in nearly a year, the former two-division world champion may have had his dreams of fighting for another world title dashed by a resurgent Esquivias.

  

Esquivias (17-2-1, 9 KO's), of Gardena, Calif., found a home for his right hand by the fourth round. He was able to land it seemingly at will as the fight progressed. Gaining confidence in the middle rounds, Esquivias began to land the left hook to the body, further slowing the fading legend.   

  

Esquivias drilled Marquez with a lead right hand in the ninth sending Marquez down. After a brief look, referee Raul Caiz Jr., waved it off without a count.  "I am slow starter," said an emotional Esquivias after the bout. "He caught me early, but I finished strong and that's what matters."   

When asked about beating a legendary warrior, "It means everything. He's one of my favorite fighters. When he beat Tim Austin I became a big fan of Rafael. Now, I am in the ring with him and it's a huge honor. I am still his biggest fan. He's a great champion."   

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Mitchell vs. Arreola, a 12-round heavyweight fight, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T.  In the 10-round co-feature former two-division world champion Rafael Marquez, of Mexico City, returns to the ring to take on Efrain Esquivias, of Gardena, Calif., in a featherweight bout.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com andwww.fantasyspringsresort.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/SethMayhem48,  www.twitter.com/efrainboxing and www.twitter.com/fantasysprings and visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/fantasysprings. For information on SHOWTIME, visit http://Sports.SHO.com, www.twitter.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

QUOTES AND PHOTOS FROM CHRIS ARREOLA VS. SETH MITCHELL AND UNDERCARD FIGHTERS MEDIA WORKOUT SHOWTIME BOXING Special Edition Doubleheader

Saturday, Sept. 7, Live on SHOWTIME^®   From Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif.

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INDIO, Calif. (Sept. 5, 2013) - Chris "The Nightmare" Arreola (35-3, 30 KO's) and Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell (26-1-1, 19 KO's) along with Rafael Marquez (41-8, 37 KO's), Efrain Esquivias (16-2-1, 9 KO's), Angel Osuna and Ryan Caballero participated in a media workout at the Boys and Girls Boxing Club just two days before their respective bouts this Saturday, Sept. 7, at Fantasy Springs ResortCasino in Indio, Calif., on SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition live on SHOWTIME^® (approximately 10:25 p.m. ET/7:25 p.m. PT)  immediately after the  ALLACCESS: Mayweather vs. Canelo Episode 3Premiere, which begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

  

Mitchell vs. Arreola, a 12-round fight for the WBC Silver Heavyweight Title, is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Goossen Tutor Promotions and sponsored by Corona.  In the 10-round co-feature former two-division world champion Rafael Marquez, of Mexico City, returns to the ring to take on Efrain Esquivias, of Gardena, Calif., in a featherweight bout. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. PT and the first fight begins at 4:05 p.m. PT.

Tickets for an event originally scheduled for Sept. 6 are priced at $105, $75, $55, $45 and $35 and are available at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online at www.fantasyspringsresort.com. All tickets bought for Sept. 6 will be honored onSept. 7. Doors open at 4 p.m. PT and the first live fights start at 4:05 p.m.

Quotes from Thursday's final workout:

CHRIS ARREOLA, Former World Title Challenger

"I'm going to make a statement and make sure that everyone remembers my fight. I'm going to embarrass this kid, Seth. That's my job in there.

"I wish that today was the fight. I hate waiting. It's time to do what I was bred to do; time to do what I was blessed to do.

"I'm more anxious than anything. I don't get nervous, I get anxious. I'm ready to fight. I'm ready to showcase (my skills and talent)."

SETH MITCHELL, WBC International and NABO Heavyweight 

"I'm expecting a tough fight but I'm also expecting to be victorious.

"In the days leading up to the fight I think a lot about different aspects of the fight. I think about things that we've studied and we've noticed. I think about my technique and probably review the fight 10 or 12 times in my head before Saturday.

"I'm prepared for the fight. My opponent gives me funny looks but it doesn't matter. It boils down to him and me on Saturday.

"

He talks tough, and that's expected from Chris Arreola. He's a clown and a comedian but on Saturday the jokes are going to be on him."

RAFAEL MARQUEZ, Former Two-Division World Champion

"The only thing that's on my mind is my opponent. To be a champion and a known fighter all over the world, you have to work so hard. You have to do whatever your trainer says and everything I did will pay off.

"I give excellent fights. All my fights have drama and I'm just hoping to give my best for the fans in Indio and those watching on SHOWTIME. This is my first time fighting there."

EFRAIN ESQUIVIAS, Featherweight Contender

"I'm focused. I keep going over the game plan. I've blocked everything out and I have surrounded myself with positive people. I'm really concentrating on the fight.

"I don't think too much about my opponent. Marquez is a big name, but I've taken care business in the gym. I've trained hard so the fight should be easy. It's not really going to be easy." [laughing]

ANGEL OSUNA, Undercard Fighter Facing Juan Gonzalez

"I'm hoping to have a great fight because I've had a great training camp. I had the best sparring sessions of my career. I want a victory.

"I feel anxious, I just want to fight. I know the time is coming. I'm ready."

RYAN CABALLERO, Undercard Fighter Facing Emanuel Machorro

"I'm ready to step into the ring. I'm confident. I know how much training I've done. I have to stay focused on that.

"It's exciting that my family stands behind me and supports me in this sport 100 percent; they never pulled me away. My parents and my brothers will all be thereSaturday, and knowing that makes me feels great.

"My older brother Randy always gives me pointers and I've learned a lot from watching him fight. I think I have a little bit of his style and my style mixed together in the ring."

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com andwww.fantasyspringsresort.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,www.twitter.com/SethMayhem48, www.twitter.com/efrainboxing andwww.twitter.com/fantasysprings and visit on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/fantasysprings. For information on SHOWTIME, visit http://Sports.SHO.com, www.twitter.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES: CHRIS ARREOLA & SETH MITCHELL, RAFAEL MARQUEZ & EFRAIN ESQUIVIAS FROM EL PASEO INN RESTAURANT IN LOS ANGELES

War of Words Between Main Eventers As Things Heat Up For
SHOWTIME BOXING Special Edition Doubleheader
This Saturday, Sept. 7, Live on SHOWTIME^®   From Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. Tickets Still On Sale

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LOS ANGELES (Sept. 5, 2013) - Chris Arreola (35-3, 30 KO's), of Riverside, Calif. and Seth Mitchell (26-1-1, 19 KO's), of Brandywine, Md., got into a heated verbal exchange during Wednesday's final press conference for their 12-round heavyweight showdown for the WBC Silver Championship this Saturday, Sept. 7, on SHOWTIME BOXING: Special Edition live on SHOWTIME^® immediately following ALL ACCESS: Mayweather vs. Canelo Episode 3 Premiere, which begins at 10 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

In the 10-round co-feature from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif., former two-division world champion Rafael Marquez (41-8, 37 KO's), of Mexico City, will take on Efrain Esquivias (16-2-1, 9 KO's), of Gardena, Calif., in a featherweight bout.

Tickets for an event originally scheduled for Sept. 6 are priced at $105, $75, $55, $45 and $35 and are available at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, by calling (800) 827-2946 or online atwww.fantasyspringsresort.com.  All tickets bought for Sept. 6 will be honored on Sept. 7. Doors open at 4 p.m. PT and the first live fights start at 4:05 p.m.

Here's what former world title challenger Arreola, former college football star Mitchell, Marquez and Esquivias said Wednesday from El Paseo Inn Restaurant on historic Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles:

CHRIS ARREOLA, Former World Title Challenger

"He [Mitchell] says every time I've stepped up I've lost. You're not a step up, I'm stepping down to you.  You're way down here.  You're a step down and remember that.  I didn't have to run the combine or do the 40-yard dash because trust me I do a six-second 40-yard dash and I don't bench press. That's not what I do.  I'm a boxer and I've been boxing since I was 7 years old. I didn't just start boxing just because I couldn't cut it in the NFL or couldn't cut it in football.

"I've been boxing my whole life and I'm going to prove it on Saturday night.  I'm going to show you that you don't belong in this sport.  I'm telling you I'm more prepared for this fight than I've been in a long time. I'm motivated.

"If this man beats me, then I'll consider retirement because there's no way this guy could beat me.  Not the way I've trained.  This guy is nothing to me.  I respect his stamina and his power.  I respect every heavyweight's power so I have to mind my p's and q's.

"He's going to regret he took this fight. I'm going to make him fight every minute, every second of every round.  Don't forget to bring your football helmet because you're going to need it.

"The difference between this training camp and any other is that I was in Arizona and not Riverside.  I've been at the gym every morning and every night..  This time there's no one to blame but me.  It's all on me. I'm the one who goes to the gym or doesn't go to the gym. I'm the one who cuts corners.  Me.  And that's something I had to get away from. Get away from home.

"There was only one car and one car key.  Henry took me to the gym every day and made sure I was there.  My cardio is way up, so much better than my last fight."

SETH MITCHELL

"Make no mistake about it, this was a fight that I wanted. I don't talk a lot in the paper. I don't Tweet. This is the fight that I wanted.  Chris Arreola is a great fighter.  He comes forward and applies a lot of pressure.  But I don't see anything special. Nothing I can't take care of on Saturday.

"Every time Chris Arreola has stepped up he's lost.  He and his trainer do a lot of talking. But just know that I'm prepared and they can say whatever they want to say but they are going to have a fight on the 7.

"I've worked hard and I'm ready for this fight. I have speed, power and size. I'm the complete package.

"SHOWTIME puts on exciting fights and our styles complement each other so it's going to be a great fight.  If I was a betting man I know where I would put my money.

"I started late so I know there's a lot to learn, but on the flip side I haven't taken a lot of punches, either."

RAFAEL MARQUEZ, Former Two-Division World Champion

"Being retired never entered my mind. I took some time off and came back with [current trainer] Nacho [Beristain] because I feel like I still have something to prove to the fans.

"I've signed [with Golden Boy Promotions] for four fights, but my mind is on this fight right now.

"I hope he comes forward because that's exciting for the fans.  Everyone knows that's my style and I want to make the most exciting fight for my fans.  

"I have a lot to prove.  I want to be a world champion again."

EFRAIN ESQUIVIAS, Featherweight Contender

"I want to fight the best fighters out there and I thank Thompson Boxing Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions for making this fight happen.  I'm coming in real strong and ready to show boxing fans that I'm capable of competing for a world title.  I'm not an opponent; I'm here to win.

"The fans are going to see a great fight.  I don't back down and neither does Marquez.  My team and I created a great game plan and we're hungry for this fight.

"Most people in the sport know about my father passing away from ALS.  He's the one who gives me the strength to continue.  His spirit lives within me and he's the reason why I fight.

 "We went hard during our training camp to be fully prepared for whatever Marquez throws at us.  I view myself as the favorite.  That's no disrespect to Marquez, he's a future hall of famer, but I always feel like I'm the best boxer in the ring.

"It would mean the world to me to beat Rafael Marquez.  Some people say he has lost a step, but I don't think so.  Look at his brother, Juan Manuel Marquez.  These guys are built for longevity."

HENRY RAMIREZ, Arreola's Trainer

"Moving his training camp to Arizona got him out of the norm and we're in great shape. There's nothing left now to do but get in the ring on Saturday.

"It's finally good to see [Mitchell] speak up a little bit and show a little fire. It's the heavyweights and it's good for interest in the fight.  Something we said got under his skin.  I don't know what it was but it was something.  Both guys are highly motivated and it's good to see."

ANDRE HUNTER, Mitchell's Trainer

"Training has been going great. Both the guys are in great shape. We've been studying a lot of film. You can say this is his biggest fight but Johnathon Banks was probably just as big. It was on the same level."

ERIC GOMEZ, Golden Boy Matchmaker

"These are the two most exciting heavyweights on earth.  You are not going to want to miss this fight. When you have Mayhem (Mitchell) and Nightmare [Arreola] you're going to have a storm. You can just feel the intensity right here."

ALEX CAMPONOVO, Thompson Boxing Promotions

"We love it all.  This is what boxing needs: two hungry guys going for it all and vying for a shot at a world title."

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and www.fantasyspringsresort.com, follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/SethMayhem48,www.twitter.com/efrainboxing and www.twitter.com/fantasysprings and visit on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing and www.facebook.com/fantasysprings. For information on SHOWTIME, visit http://Sports.SHO.com, www.twitter.com/SHOsports andwww.facebook.com/SHOBoxing.