Ryan Garcia vs. Francis Fonseca - February 14, 2020

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release

Golden Boy and DAZN will present a special night of boxing on Valentine's Day as rising star Ryan Garcia (19-0, 16 KOs) defends his WBC Silver Lightweight Title in a 12-round fight against rugged contender Francisco Fonseca (25-2-2, 19. KOs). The event takes place Friday, Feb. 14 at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

"Golden Boy is proud to present the biggest rising talent in the sport of boxing," said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. "Ryan Garcia silenced all the skeptics by knocking out a tough contender in Romero Duno, and he did it in just one spectacular round. Aside from being a popular young star who is loved by all women, he's also demonstrated that he's a skillful fighter with power in both hands. So, we will have something special for everyone to enjoy on Valentine's Day when we deliver this great show at Honda Center and live on DAZN."

Garcia is a 21-year-old contender who has quickly developed into one of boxing's most popular young athletes. After a decorated amateur career, Garcia debuted as a professional and later signed with Golden Boy in 2016. Since then, he's passed every tough test put in front of him, including wins against "Ruthless"Romero Duno, Carlos "The Solution" Morales and Jason "La Maravilla" Velez. Now, he'll look to put himself on the path towards the highest levels of the sport with a win at the same venue where Canelo Alvarez became world champion for a first time in 2011.

"I'm very excited to be in the ring once again," said Ryan Garcia. "I'm looking to shock the world this year. I'm going to show the boxing world that I'm here forever!"

On the other hand, Fonseca represents a recent wave of young talent from Managua, Nicaragua who have recently had much success in the sport. With fighters such as Felix Alvarado and Rene Alvarado becoming world champions within the past 18 months, Fonseca feels inspired to build off that momentum and upset Garcia. The 25-year-old will return after a tough draw against Alex Dilmaghani for a vacant title.

"Nicaraguan boxing is a the very top right now because we have two world champions representing us right now," said Francisco Fonseca. "That's why I will not let my country down. When I face Ryan Garcia, I will expose him on his own territory, and I will deliver him his first professional victory. My manager Rosendo Alvarez and I have been waiting for. We've dreamed of fighting Ryan Garcia, and we have the antidote to defeat him."

"From rising stars to crafty veterans, the lightweight division is poised for a huge year in 2020," said Joseph Markowski, DAZN EVP, North America. "With such an adoring fan base, we couldn't think of a better fighter than Ryan Garcia to headline this special Valentine's Day event during Fight Season on DAZN."

In the co-main event, former three-division world champion Jorge "El Nino de Oro" Linares (46-5, 28 KOs) of Barinas, Venezuela will return in a 12-round lightweight fight.

Welterweight sensation Alexis "Lex" Rocha (15-0, 10 KOs) of Santa Ana, Calif. will defend his WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title in a 10-round 147-pound clash.

Blair "The Flair" Cobbs (13-0, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada will defend his NABF Welterweight Title in a 10-round bout.

Oscar "El Jaguar" Negrete (18-2-2, 7 KOs) de Tierralta, Colombia will fight Alberto "Impacto" Melian (6-1, 4 KOs) of Buenos Aires, Argentina for the vacant WBA International Bantamweight Title in a 10-round bout between two Golden Boy contenders.

Alejandro "PinPon" Reyes (2-0, 2 KOs), a native of Mexicali, Mexico who trains out of Los Angeles' Westside Boxing Club, will return in a four-round lightweight battle.

Evan Sanchez (6-0, 5 KOs) of Parlier, Calif. will participate in a six-round welterweight bout.

Opponents for the undercard will be announced shortly.

Garcia vs. Fonseca is a 12-round fight for the WBC Silver Lightweight Title presented by Golden Boy. The event is sponsored by Hennessy "Never Stop. Never Settle." The event will take place Friday, Feb. 14 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Tickets for Garcia vs. Fonseca go on sale Friday, Jan. 3 at 10:00 a.m. PT. Tickets are priced at $150, $100, $50 and $25, plus applicable taxes, fees and services charges. Tickets can be purchased at goldenboytickets.com, ticketmaster.com, and by phone at 800-943-4327 and at the Honda Center Box Office (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. PT to 5 p.m. PT and Sat 10 a.m. PT to 4 p.m. PT).

[gregregegg]

Seems like a pretty good fight. young guy that lasted 8 rounds vs missed weight tank. went the distance vs farmer. and recently MD with one judge backing him, against a decent brit, in york hall (so im assuming he probably deserved a win in that.).
A win is a pretty good. stoppage is very good, and an early stoppage is a huge statement to tank and farmer fans.

[world ranked]

I just wonder how Ryan Garcia gets a belt he will just wonder how.

[1okstcsb]

I just wonder how Ryan Garcia gets a belt he will just wonder how.

They seem to be creating titles all the time, my guess is if Haney is still injured, Ryan Garcia will beat the Winner of L. Campbell VS Fortuna, Or if Lomachenko has to give up his title as he can't fulfill all his mandatories as a unified champ, he will fight someone for a Vacant title, They just gave Gervonta Davis some title, for beating Gamboa and Ryan Garcia has been calling out Tank for 3 years, I favor, Tank, but the fact Ryan Garcia has been calling him out maybe Garcia's team sees something.

[world ranked]

I just wonder how Ryan Garcia gets a belt he will just wonder how.

They seem to be creating titles all the time, my guess is if Haney is still injured, Ryan Garcia will beat the Winner of L. Campbell VS Fortuna, Or if Lomachenko has to give up his title as he can't fulfill all his mandatories as a unified champ, he will fight someone for a Vacant title, They just gave Gervonta Davis some title, for beating Gamboa and Ryan Garcia has been calling out Tank for 3 years, I favor, Tank, but the fact Ryan Garcia has been calling him out maybe Garcia's team sees something.

I agree the will just make a belt for him. No way he fights the top of division and takes someones title.

[1okstcsb]

They seem to be creating titles all the time, my guess is if Haney is still injured, Ryan Garcia will beat the Winner of L. Campbell VS Fortuna, Or if Lomachenko has to give up his title as he can't fulfill all his mandatories as a unified champ, he will fight someone for a Vacant title, They just gave Gervonta Davis some title, for beating Gamboa and Ryan Garcia has been calling out Tank for 3 years, I favor, Tank, but the fact Ryan Garcia has been calling him out maybe Garcia's team sees something.

I agree the will just make a belt for him. No way he fights the top of division and takes someones title.

The NEW WBA Rankings are out and Garcia is #2 at Lightweight, Yvan Mendy is the Gold Champion so maybe Mendy? https://www.wbaboxing.com/wba-ranking#.Xg-KMVVKjX5

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release: Blair Cobbs vs. Samuel Kotey Set For Garcia-Fonseca DAZN Bill

Prince Ranch Boxing's undefeated welterweight contender, Blair "The Flair" Cobbs (13-0-1, 9 KOs), who is by promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, faces Samuel Kotey (23-2, 16 KOs) of Ghana, Africa. The 10-round bout will take place on February 14, 2020, as part of the of Ryan Garcia versus Francisco Fonseca card at the Honda Center in Anaheim, CA, which will air live on DAZN at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.

"I am excited to return on such a great card," said Blair Cobbs, who is managed by Greg Hannley of Prince Ranch Boxing. "I have been training very hard and know that all my hard work is about to pay off. My body feels great and I'm looking sharp in sparring. I'm ready to take this dude out."

"We're thrilled with how Blair Cobbs' career is progressing" stated Hannely, Cobbs' manager. "He has an incredible resume and has defeated some of the best unbeaten fighters already. He keeps getting better and better with each fight. I expect big things from Cobbs this year, and it all starts on Valentines day."

Cobbs had a phenomenal 2019 defeating unbeaten fighters Ferdinand Kerobyan and Steve Villalobos as well as Robert Redmond Jr and Carlos Ortiz Cervantes. Cobbs' last four opponents have had a combined record of (40-5-3, 32 KOs), making Cobbs one of the most battle-tested contenders in the welterweight division.

"Blair has all the tools to be a world champion," stated Brandon Woods, Cobbs' trainer, "He has defeated great opponents and done it in a style that is very entertaining. I see Blair accomplishing some incredible goals in 2020, and I know he's done everything in the gym to be at his best come fight night."

"I love what I do," Cobbs continued. "I am ready to have another great year and continue to put on a great, entertaining show for the fans. It's Blair "The Flair" time baby, WOOOO!

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

Press Release - Alexis Rocha vs. Brad Solomon Added To Garcia-Fonseca Card

Welterweight prospect Alexis "Lex" Rocha (15-0, 10 KOs) will take an important step up in competition as he defends his WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title against Brad "King" Solomon (28-2, 16 KOs) in a 10-round bout on the undercard of Garcia vs. Fonseca. The event will take place Friday, Feb. 14 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California and will be streamed live exclusively on DAZN.

Rocha is a 22-year-old southpaw of Santa Ana, California who is widely considered as one of the best rising prospects of the welterweight division. Since making his debut in 2016, Rocha has steadily climbed the rankings by fighting some of the biggest cards that Southern California has hosted in recent years. After defending his regional title against the likes of Berlin Abreu and Roberto Valenzuela Jr., Rocha will look to pass the toughest test of his career when he takes on tough contender Solomon.

"I'm excited and looking forward to fighting in my backyard at the Honda center," said Alexis Rocha. "Brad Solomon is a big step up and will present a challenge, but I am more than ready. I'm looking to make a statement on February 14, and hope I get the recognition I deserve as one of the best fighters in the welterweight division"

Solomon is a 36-year-old contender of Lafayette, Lousiana who was a standout amateur boxer before debuting as a professional in 2008. Aside from winning several Golden Gloves titles, Solomon also possess an amateur win over Javier Molina. As a professional, he as defeated tough fighters such as Freddy "The Rail" Hernandez and Adrian "El Tigre" Granados. Solomon is coming off a loss against Vergil Ortiz Jr. in what was a valiant effort. He'll now look to have better success against Rocha.

"I'm coming to make a statement in this fight," said Brad Solomon. "I just fought on a Golden Boy card in December, but I'm coming right back to show what I'm made of. So, make sure you tune into my fight on Feb. 14 because I will demonstrate that I have a lot of unfinished business in the boxing game."

As previously announced, Ryan Garcia (19-0, 16 KOs) of Victorville, Calif. will defend his WBC Silver Lightweight Title against Francisco Fonseca (25-2-2, 19 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua in the 12-round main event.

In the co-main event, Jorge "El Niño de Oro" Linares (46-5, 28 KOs) will take on Carlos Morales (19-4-4, 8 KOs) of Los Angeles in a 10-round lightweight battle.

Blair "The Flair" Cobbs (15-0, 10 KOs) of Las Vegas will defend his NABF Welterweight Crown against Samuel Kotey (23-2, 16 KOs) of Baltimore in a 10-round bout.

Tenochtitlan "T-Dog" Nava (7-2, 1 KO) of Los Angeles will face Anthony Casillas
(8-1, 4 KOs) of Southgate, Calif. in a six-round featherweight fight.

Bektemir Melikuiziev (4-0, 3 KOs) of Shoimbek, Uzbekistan will defend his WBA Continental Americas Super Middleweight Championship against Marco Antonio Periban (25-5-1, 16 KOs) of Mexico City, Mexico in a 10-round clash.

Newly signed prospect Evan Sanchez (6-0, 5 KOs) of Parlier, Calif. will participate in a six-round welterweight bout.

Alejandro "PinPon" Reyes (2-0, 2 KOs) of Mexicali, Mexico will return in a four-round lightweight battle.

[handsofstone]

I think this is a great fight for Garcia, he's only young so might be too soon, Fonseca's a good fighter, tough as they come and makes guys work for their wins, I thought he beat Dilmaghani last time out but only got the draw, Garcia nowhere near the next De La Hoya but probably better than some people give him credit for, the Velez wins solid especially after the hell he gave Arboleda at the weekend, I think Garcia will win a decision here and if he does that's a good win IMO

[Best Coast]

Interesting tests for Rocha and Melikuziev. Melikuziev should win with little problem but the question is whether he can stop Periban inside the distance. Rocha should be able to outbox Solomon but the veteran could give him problems.

And the Negrete-Melian fight was moved up to last weekend's GBP card at Fantasy Springs and Negrete won by 10-round decision.

https://boxrec.com/en/event/800754

[margaret thatcher]

Carlos Morales could give el Jorge some problems

[Ruthless-RKO]

ODLH has said to FMJ, if Garcia wins here, “Let’s make Garcia vs. Tank”...

We all know that ain't happening.

[Stuarty]

ODLH has said to FMJ, if Garcia wins here, “Let’s make Garcia vs. Tank”...

We all know that ain't happening.

Yip no chance that'll happen anytime soon...

[diddy]

Garcia is a -5000 favorite. Man Fonseca is alot better than that. Those odds are outrageous. But yeah FF obv will need to get a KO to win. No chance on the cards.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Garcia is a -5000 favorite. Man Fonseca is alot better than that. Those odds are outrageous. But yeah FF obv will need to get a KO to win. No chance on the cards.

Any chance of an upset?

Garcia is miles better than Dilmaghani

[Ruthless-RKO]

Garcia (19-0, 16KOs) checked in at a fighting fit 134.8 for the 12-round main event, as did Fonseca (25-2-2, 19KOs), a former two-time title challenger.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Weights from Anaheim, California, for Friday night’s Golden Boy Promotions/DAZN card: Ryan Garcia 134.8 pounds, Francisco Fonseca 134.8; Jorge Linares 134.8, Carlos Morales 135; Alexis Rocha 146.4, Brad Solomon 147; Blair Cobbs 145.8, Samuel Kotey 146.4.

Dan Rafael, ESPN Senior Writer

[Ruthless-RKO]

Live from 1am in the UK

*Please note, all fights subject to change without notice.

***

Blair COBBS v Samuel KOTEY

10 x 3 Minute Rounds: Welterweight contest

***

Follows

Alexis ROCHA v Brad SOLOMON

10 x 3 Minute Rounds: Welterweight contest

***

Follows

Jorge LINARES v Carlos MORALES

10 x 3 Minute Rounds: Lightweight contest

***

Follows

Ryan GARCIA v Francisco FONSECA

12 x 3 Minute Rounds: WBC Silver Lightweight Title

[Ruthless-RKO]

Prelims (DAZN, 7:00 pm ET)

• Alejandro Reyes (2-0, 2 KO) vs Nelson Colon (4-1, 3 KO), lightweights, 4 rounds
• Bektemir Melikuziev (4-0, 3 KO) vs Oscar Cortes (27-5, 14 KO), super middleweights, 10 rounds
• Evan Sanchez (6-0, 5 KO) vs Daniel Evangelista (20-11-2, 16 KO), welterweights, 6 rounds
• Tenochtitlan Nava (7-2, 1 KO) vs Anthony Casillas (8-1, 4 KO), featherweights, 6 rounds

Main Card (DAZN, 7:00 pm ET)

• Ryan Garcia (19-0, 16 KO) vs Francisco Fonseca (25-2-2, 19 KO), lightweights, 12 rounds
• Jorge Linares (46-5, 28 KO) vs Carlos Morales (19-4-4, 8 KO), lightweights, 12 rounds
• Alexis Rocha (15-0, 10 KO) vs Brad Solomon (28-2, 9 KO), welterweights, 10 rounds
• Blair Cobbs (13-0-1, 9 KO) vs Samuel Kotey (23-2, 16 KO), welterweights, 10 rounds

[gregregegg]

anyone see that close fight with Alexis Rocha vs Brad Solomon where one of goldenboys judges gave it 10-0 and another gave it 9-1.... think its safe to say that fonseca needs a KO...
Personaly i think ryan will win by KO, but even if he gets the shit kicked out of him for 12 rounds and survives i expect him to win on the cards.

[skanksta]

anyone see that close fight with Alexis Rocha vs Brad Solomon where one of goldenboys judges gave it 10-0 and another gave it 9-1.... think its safe to say that fonseca needs a KO...
Personaly i think ryan will win by KO, but even if he gets the poo kicked out of him for 12 rounds and survives i expect him to win on the cards.

Yeah, that was horrible.
Decent fight and Rocha won it, but his own trainer read him the riot act before the 10th.
Great stuff from Linares too - he's still got a few big fights left in him...