Alejandro Balde is feeling the wrath of the Swifties

The Barcelona left back might not be able to shake this one off

Alejandro Balde’s chances of winning the Golden Boy Web award have been severely compromised by his taste in music.

The Barcelona left back is among the top candidates for the award given to the top men’s player under the age of 21 at a European club.

But an offhand comment the 19-year-old made in an interview with Mundo Deportivo looks to have proven costly — at least when it comes to the award decided on a fan vote. Balde, you see, offended fans of Taylor Swift by having the temerity to suggest he wasn’t a fan of her music.

The Swifties, known to be a devoted and very online bunch, struck back with a vengeance.

Within minutes on Tuesday, Balde went from having the lead in the voting to falling way behind Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham. As of this moment, Bellingham leads Balde by a nearly two-to-one margin.

It should be noted that the Swifties only have so much power here. The voting is for the Golden Boy Web award, which is strictly decided by a fan vote. The actual Golden Boy award, meanwhile, will be determined by a jury of journalists from around Europe.

Balde can only hope that group of media members doesn’t contain too many Swifties.

[lawrence-related id=27521,27511,27506]

Rashidi Ellis thrilled that his career is back on track

Rashidi Ellis plans to take full advantage of his new opportunity with Premier Boxing Champions.

Rashidi Ellis thought he’d be a world champion by now.

The one time amateur star from a fighting family has elite boxing ability and speed but, even at 29 years old, he hasn’t had opportunities to show what he can do against the top welterweights.

That can be attributed in part to a contract dispute with former promoter Golden Boy, which has kept the brother of Ronald and Rashida Ellis out of the ring for 20 months.

However, now he has a fresh start. He left Golden Boy and in April and joined forces with Premier Boxing Champions, which is loaded with well-known potential opponents at 147 pounds.

Ellis (23-0, 14 KOs) makes his debut for PBC against Argentine Alberto Palmetta on the Mark Magsayo-Rey Vargas card July 9 in San Antonio (Showtime).

“I feel like a kid going to recess. I’ve very excited,” Ellis told Boxing Junkie.

The easygoing fighter from Lynn, Massachusetts, doesn’t dwell in the past because he has business at hand. However, he admitted that his layoff was difficult.

He could only watch as matchups he coveted – including one against unbeaten Golden Boy star Vergil Ortiz – never materialized for reasons that depend on whom you talk to. And he couldn’t leave Golden Boy until his contract expired.

So he did the only thing he could do: wait.

“It was very difficult, very frustrating,” he said. “I just had to stay focused and stay in the gym, get ready for the next one. I was always in the gym. I wouldn’t say it was a waste of time. Time did pass. It sucks. But I gotta look forward.

“This is definitely a fresh start. I finalley get to showcase my talent, to show everyone what they’ve been missing.”

Of course, if things go well against the Palmetta (17-1, 12 KOs), he’d love to jump into a fight with the winner of the anticipated showdown between Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford for the undisputed championship.

Ellis is realistic, though. He’ll have to earn his stripes against a few PBC fighters – Jaron Ennis? Eimantas Stanionis? Keith Thurman? Cody Crowley? – before he finally gets a shot at a major championship.

“Hopefully I’ll get that next but I know it don’t work like that,” he said. “Two, three fights after [July 9], next year. You could say that.”

And he has a simple message for those who might wonder whether he can really fight on even terms with the champions and contenders mentioned above. He said confidently: “Just wait and see.”

[lawrence-related id=27558,31228,31221]

Rashidi Ellis thrilled that his career is back on track

Rashidi Ellis plans to take full advantage of his new opportunity with Premier Boxing Champions.

Rashidi Ellis thought he’d be a world champion by now.

The one time amateur star from a fighting family has elite boxing ability and speed but, even at 29 years old, he hasn’t had opportunities to show what he can do against the top welterweights.

That can be attributed in part to a contract dispute with former promoter Golden Boy, which has kept the brother of Ronald and Rashida Ellis out of the ring for 20 months.

However, now he has a fresh start. He left Golden Boy and in April and joined forces with Premier Boxing Champions, which is loaded with well-known potential opponents at 147 pounds.

Ellis (23-0, 14 KOs) makes his debut for PBC against Argentine Alberto Palmetta on the Mark Magsayo-Rey Vargas card July 9 in San Antonio (Showtime).

“I feel like a kid going to recess. I’ve very excited,” Ellis told Boxing Junkie.

The easygoing fighter from Lynn, Massachusetts, doesn’t dwell in the past because he has business at hand. However, he admitted that his layoff was difficult.

He could only watch as matchups he coveted – including one against unbeaten Golden Boy star Vergil Ortiz – never materialized for reasons that depend on whom you talk to. And he couldn’t leave Golden Boy until his contract expired.

So he did the only thing he could do: wait.

“It was very difficult, very frustrating,” he said. “I just had to stay focused and stay in the gym, get ready for the next one. I was always in the gym. I wouldn’t say it was a waste of time. Time did pass. It sucks. But I gotta look forward.

“This is definitely a fresh start. I finalley get to showcase my talent, to show everyone what they’ve been missing.”

Of course, if things go well against the Palmetta (17-1, 12 KOs), he’d love to jump into a fight with the winner of the anticipated showdown between Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford for the undisputed championship.

Ellis is realistic, though. He’ll have to earn his stripes against a few PBC fighters – Jaron Ennis? Eimantas Stanionis? Keith Thurman? Cody Crowley? – before he finally gets a shot at a major championship.

“Hopefully I’ll get that next but I know it don’t work like that,” he said. “Two, three fights after [July 9], next year. You could say that.”

And he has a simple message for those who might wonder whether he can really fight on even terms with the champions and contenders mentioned above. He said confidently: “Just wait and see.”

[lawrence-related id=27558,31228,31221]

Four USMNT players make shortlist for Golden Boy award

Tuttosport awards the annual prize to the top under-21 player in European men’s soccer.

Four U.S. men’s national team players have been named to the shortlist for the Golden Boy award, Tuttosport‘s prize for the top under-21 player in European men’s soccer.

The Italian publication named a 100-player list on Wednesday, which included Yunus Musah, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman and Joe Scally.

Three of the four players participated in the USMNT’s recent four-match window in June, with Reyna missing out due to injury.

Musah, who plays with La Liga side Valencia, is the only player of the four to ply their trade outside of Germany. The 19-year-old was hugely impressive for the USMNT over its recent four games, causing coach Gregg Berhalter to say “he just blows me away” after the game against Uruguay and declare him the man of the match after Tuesday’s draw in El Salvador.

The 2021 Golden Boy award was won by Spain and Barcelona star Pedri, with the 2020 award going to Erling Haaland.

[lawrence-related id=3385,3370,3369]

Gilberto Ramirez signs multi-year deal with Golden Boy

Light heavyweight contender Gilberto Ramirez has signed a multi-year deal with Golden Boy Promotions.

Gilberto Ramirez has joined Team Golden Boy.

The unbeaten light heavyweight contender and former super middleweight titleholder from Mexico has signed a multi-year deal the promotional company, Golden Boy announced in a news release.

Details on his next fight will be forthcoming shortly, according to the release.

Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) had been fighting under the Top Rank banner but his contract expired and was not renewed last year.

“After several discussions, Golden Boy Promotions made the most sense and felt like the best partners for me,” Ramirez said. “They understood the goals and the agendas I have and I have full faith in Oscar and the team to make the big fights happen.

“I look forward to working with them closely and to this new chapter of my career.”

[lawrence-related id=16645,16224]

Said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy: “Mexican boxing has been a worldwide force in this sport for as long as I can remember. Along with its legacy of courageous fighters, it possesses a fanbase with a unique culture and energy that comes alive every single time its fighters step into the ring.”

“That’s why we are delighted to have signed Gilberto Ramirez to a multi-fight deal.”

Ramirez won the WBO super middleweight title by shutting out Arthur Abraham in April 2016 and successfully defended five times, including two victories over Jesse Hart.

He moved up to light heavyweight after the second Hart fight and stopped Tommy Karpency in April 2019. He officially vacated his super middleweight title the following month.

He last fought this past December, when he knocked out Alfonso Lopez in 10 rounds in Galveston, Texas.

Ramirez hasn’t been a particularly active fighter. He has only the Karpency and Lopez fights since December 2018.

Mexico’s first super middleweight titleholder is a legitimate opponent for any of the top 175-pounders. He’s also a prospective foe for super middleweight champ and fellow Mexican Canelo Alvarez, who left Golden Boy last year.

Gilberto Ramirez signs multi-year deal with Golden Boy

Light heavyweight contender Gilberto Ramirez has signed a multi-year deal with Golden Boy Promotions.

Gilberto Ramirez has joined Team Golden Boy.

The unbeaten light heavyweight contender and former super middleweight titleholder from Mexico has signed a multi-year deal the promotional company, Golden Boy announced in a news release.

Details on his next fight will be forthcoming shortly, according to the release.

Ramirez (41-0, 27 KOs) had been fighting under the Top Rank banner but his contract expired and was not renewed last year.

“After several discussions, Golden Boy Promotions made the most sense and felt like the best partners for me,” Ramirez said. “They understood the goals and the agendas I have and I have full faith in Oscar and the team to make the big fights happen.

“I look forward to working with them closely and to this new chapter of my career.”

[lawrence-related id=16645,16224]

Said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy: “Mexican boxing has been a worldwide force in this sport for as long as I can remember. Along with its legacy of courageous fighters, it possesses a fanbase with a unique culture and energy that comes alive every single time its fighters step into the ring.”

“That’s why we are delighted to have signed Gilberto Ramirez to a multi-fight deal.”

Ramirez won the WBO super middleweight title by shutting out Arthur Abraham in April 2016 and successfully defended five times, including two victories over Jesse Hart.

He moved up to light heavyweight after the second Hart fight and stopped Tommy Karpency in April 2019. He officially vacated his super middleweight title the following month.

He last fought this past December, when he knocked out Alfonso Lopez in 10 rounds in Galveston, Texas.

Ramirez hasn’t been a particularly active fighter. He has only the Karpency and Lopez fights since December 2018.

Mexico’s first super middleweight titleholder is a legitimate opponent for any of the top 175-pounders. He’s also a prospective foe for super middleweight champ and fellow Mexican Canelo Alvarez, who left Golden Boy last year.

Canelo Alvarez making history one step at a time

Canelo Alvarez realized his dreams of becoming a superstar and, at 30, still has more to give.

Canelo Alvarez was 20 years old when he fought for the first time on a big pay-per-view card in Las Vegas, one that featured Floyd Mayweather’s fight with Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand. The red-headed Mexican prospect stopped Jose Cotto, Miguel’s brother, in nine rounds.

The fact young Alvarez had talent was no secret. Golden Boy, his then-promoter, made sure everyone knew it. And no one believed in Alvarez more than Alvarez himself, something that has remained a constant. He just never imagined at that time, a decade ago, that he would one day become an icon.

“I always visualized being the best,” he told Boxing Junkie through a translator Wednesday. “I never really knew the magnitude, though, what it would mean to be where I am now.”

Well, we all know where Alvarez (54-1-2, 36 KOs) is: He’s the brightest star in the sport, a four-division titleholder, on top of many credible pound-for-pound lists and arguably the greatest Mexican fighter ever or on his way there.

Callum Smith, his latest victim, gave him the ultimate compliment: “I don’t think anyone beats him.”

Canelo Alvarez (right) was only 20 when he stopped Jose Cotto on the Floyd Mayweather-Shane Mosley card, his first exposure on a big card. Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images)

The reigning super middleweight champion, who defends his titles against Avni Yildirim on Feb. 27 in Miami, was asked to assess his accomplishments but he wouldn’t boast to the degree others in a similar position might.

An interview with Alvarez has always been a low-energy exercise, in which he answers questions in short, well-thought-out sentences at low volume. That’s his nature. He’s as passionate as anyone in the ring but subdued, even taciturn outside it. And he’s humble.

He believes he’s the best fighter in the world but conveys it in a way that doesn’t come across as arrogant, as if he’s saying, “I think my accomplishments suggest ….” And he wouldn’t bite when he was asked about the notion he has become the best ever from his boxing-crazy country.

Eddy Reynoso, his longtime trainer, said he’s on his way to surpassing the likes of Julio Cesar Chavez, Ruben Olivares and Salvardor Sanchez. Mexican-American trainer Robert Garcia, who has been in boxing for more than three decades and has no affiliation with Alvarez, says he’s already No. 1.

Alvarez? He was diplomatic when that topic came up.

“The truth is that there have been many, many great champions from Mexico,” he said. “My goal is to be one of the best at the end of my career. The only thing I can guarantee is that I’ll be among the best.”

No doubt about that. How did he get into that position?

Alvarez celebrates after easily outpointing Callum Smith to become a four-division titleholder. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing

It started with the aforementioned talent. He was born with athleticism and a mind – as well as a temperament — that evidently is perfectly suited for hand-to-hand combat. He’s calm, cool, methodical until that passion — in the form of ferocity — takes over and one of the smartest active boxers.

And no one currently in the sport has a resume that compares to his, with the possible exception of Manny Pacquiao. He’s never been afraid to challenge himself, to take risks, which is one of many traits that have endeared him to fans.

For example, his handlers were nervous about the prospect of Alvarez fighting slick veterans Austin Trout and Erislandy Lara when he was in his early 20s. However, he demanded those fights, got them and had his hand raised both times.

Consider his last six fights. He fought in succession Gennadiy Golovkin, Golovkin again, Rocky Fielding, Daniel Jacobs, Sergey Kovalev and Callum Smith. Say what you want about Fielding and Smith. That was an imposing, risky gantlet, one most fighters with Alvarez’s leverage would never have run.

And, at 30, he has no plans to pad his resume with pushovers. Yildirim isn’t a significant threat but he’s the mandatory challenger to his WBC title, meaning Alvarez must face the Turk to retain his belt and remain in position to realize his goal of become undisputed 168-pound champion.

After that comes the other two super middleweight titleholders, Billy Joe Saunders (probably in May) and Caleb Plant. And eventually he’ll end up as a 175-pounder, he told Boxing Junkie. That means the likes of Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol might share a ring with him in the near future.

Alvarez’s handlers weren’t crazy about the idea of him facing Austin Trout (left) but things worked out well. AP Photo / Eric Gay

Indeed, there is no sign whatsoever of slowing down. Alvarez turned pro at 15 years old. Fifteen years later – and in spite of the significant fortune he has amassed — he seems to be as hungry as ever.

Where does that drive come from?

“I love what I do,” he said. “When you’re doing something you love, it’s not hard to give 100 percent of yourself. That’s what it is, that’s why I’ve been successful.”

Alvarez was asked how much longer he will fight. He said he doesn’t know but then added, “I think around 36, 37, at the max.” At the moment, he said, his primary focus is Yildirim and unifying those 168-pound titles. Or as he put, “making history.” One step at a time.

And he has other things on his mind. He split with Golden Boy in November after what became a contentious relationship. He’s his own promoter now. And on Tuesday morning he was granted a promoter’s license in Nevada, a hub of big-time boxing. That means he’ll almost certainly fight in Las Vegas around Cinco de Mayo, with his fledgling company front and center.

Yes, Alvarez’s post-boxing career has begun. He said his primary objective at the moment is to promote his fights and perhaps those of a few other boxers he handles without losing focus on his own boxing career. However, eventually, the plan is to build a robust company that will allow Alvarez to have a significant impact on the sport long after he retires.

Alvarez’s path hasn’t always been perfectly smooth. In the ring, he lost a one-sided decision to Mayweather when he was 23. He drew with Golovkin in their first fight, which most observers thought Triple-G won.

Floyd Mayweather (right) handed Alvarez his only loss in 2013. Al Bello / Getty Images

Outside the ring, he was suspended for six months in April 2018 for testing positive for the banned substance clenbuterol. He blamed it on tainted meat. And the strained relationship with Golden Boy ended only after he filed a lawsuit seeking his freedom, which ultimately led to just that.

With that in mind, Alvarez was asked whether he would’ve done anything differently if he could go back in time. He gave his shortest answer of the interview: “Nothing.”

Alvarez is a happy man. He has a beautiful young family, great wealth, the admiration of many and a career in which he has thrived like few before him. And there’s more to come. At least that’s what he wants. And Canelo Alvarez, through God’s gifts, hard work and determination, has always gotten what he wants.

Perhaps a quote on his website – CaneloTeam.com – sums up his approach to life best:

“Destiny is not a matter of chance. It’s a matter of choice. Life is hard but never give up. Keep on fighting and always believe in yourself to achieve your dreams.”

[lawrence-related id=17558,17549,17532,17520,17422,17363,17354]

Canelo Alvarez making history one step at a time

Canelo Alvarez realized his dreams of becoming a superstar and, at 30, still has more to give.

Canelo Alvarez was 20 years old when he fought for the first time on a big pay-per-view card in Las Vegas, one that featured Floyd Mayweather’s fight with Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand. The red-headed Mexican prospect stopped Jose Cotto, Miguel’s brother, in nine rounds.

The fact young Alvarez had talent was no secret. Golden Boy, his then-promoter, made sure everyone knew it. And no one believed in Alvarez more than Alvarez himself, something that has remained a constant. He just never imagined at that time, a decade ago, that he would one day become an icon.

“I always visualized being the best,” he told Boxing Junkie through a translator Wednesday. “I never really knew the magnitude, though, what it would mean to be where I am now.”

Well, we all know where Alvarez (54-1-2, 36 KOs) is: He’s the brightest star in the sport, a four-division titleholder, on top of many credible pound-for-pound lists and arguably the greatest Mexican fighter ever or on his way there.

Callum Smith, his latest victim, gave him the ultimate compliment: “I don’t think anyone beats him.”

Canelo Alvarez (right) was only 20 when he stopped Jose Cotto on the Floyd Mayweather-Shane Mosley card, his first exposure on a big card. Jed Jacobsohn / Getty Images)

The reigning super middleweight champion, who defends his titles against Avni Yildirim on Feb. 27 in Miami, was asked to assess his accomplishments but he wouldn’t boast to the degree others in a similar position might.

An interview with Alvarez has always been a low-energy exercise, in which he answers questions in short, well-thought-out sentences at low volume. That’s his nature. He’s as passionate as anyone in the ring but subdued, even taciturn outside it. And he’s humble.

He believes he’s the best fighter in the world but conveys it in a way that doesn’t come across as arrogant, as if he’s saying, “I think my accomplishments suggest ….” And he wouldn’t bite when he was asked about the notion he has become the best ever from his boxing-crazy country.

Eddy Reynoso, his longtime trainer, said he’s on his way to surpassing the likes of Julio Cesar Chavez, Ruben Olivares and Salvardor Sanchez. Mexican-American trainer Robert Garcia, who has been in boxing for more than three decades and has no affiliation with Alvarez, says he’s already No. 1.

Alvarez? He was diplomatic when that topic came up.

“The truth is that there have been many, many great champions from Mexico,” he said. “My goal is to be one of the best at the end of my career. The only thing I can guarantee is that I’ll be among the best.”

No doubt about that. How did he get into that position?

Alvarez celebrates after easily outpointing Callum Smith to become a four-division titleholder. Ed Mulholland / Matchroom Boxing

It started with the aforementioned talent. He was born with athleticism and a mind – as well as a temperament — that evidently is perfectly suited for hand-to-hand combat. He’s calm, cool, methodical until that passion — in the form of ferocity — takes over and one of the smartest active boxers.

And no one currently in the sport has a resume that compares to his, with the possible exception of Manny Pacquiao. He’s never been afraid to challenge himself, to take risks, which is one of many traits that have endeared him to fans.

For example, his handlers were nervous about the prospect of Alvarez fighting slick veterans Austin Trout and Erislandy Lara when he was in his early 20s. However, he demanded those fights, got them and had his hand raised both times.

Consider his last six fights. He fought in succession Gennadiy Golovkin, Golovkin again, Rocky Fielding, Daniel Jacobs, Sergey Kovalev and Callum Smith. Say what you want about Fielding and Smith. That was an imposing, risky gantlet, one most fighters with Alvarez’s leverage would never have run.

And, at 30, he has no plans to pad his resume with pushovers. Yildirim isn’t a significant threat but he’s the mandatory challenger to his WBC title, meaning Alvarez must face the Turk to retain his belt and remain in position to realize his goal of become undisputed 168-pound champion.

After that comes the other two super middleweight titleholders, Billy Joe Saunders (probably in May) and Caleb Plant. And eventually he’ll end up as a 175-pounder, he told Boxing Junkie. That means the likes of Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol might share a ring with him in the near future.

Alvarez’s handlers weren’t crazy about the idea of him facing Austin Trout (left) but things worked out well. AP Photo / Eric Gay

Indeed, there is no sign whatsoever of slowing down. Alvarez turned pro at 15 years old. Fifteen years later – and in spite of the significant fortune he has amassed — he seems to be as hungry as ever.

Where does that drive come from?

“I love what I do,” he said. “When you’re doing something you love, it’s not hard to give 100 percent of yourself. That’s what it is, that’s why I’ve been successful.”

Alvarez was asked how much longer he will fight. He said he doesn’t know but then added, “I think around 36, 37, at the max.” At the moment, he said, his primary focus is Yildirim and unifying those 168-pound titles. Or as he put, “making history.” One step at a time.

And he has other things on his mind. He split with Golden Boy in November after what became a contentious relationship. He’s his own promoter now. And on Tuesday morning he was granted a promoter’s license in Nevada, a hub of big-time boxing. That means he’ll almost certainly fight in Las Vegas around Cinco de Mayo, with his fledgling company front and center.

Yes, Alvarez’s post-boxing career has begun. He said his primary objective at the moment is to promote his fights and perhaps those of a few other boxers he handles without losing focus on his own boxing career. However, eventually, the plan is to build a robust company that will allow Alvarez to have a significant impact on the sport long after he retires.

Alvarez’s path hasn’t always been perfectly smooth. In the ring, he lost a one-sided decision to Mayweather when he was 23. He drew with Golovkin in their first fight, which most observers thought Triple-G won.

Floyd Mayweather (right) handed Alvarez his only loss in 2013. Al Bello / Getty Images

Outside the ring, he was suspended for six months in April 2018 for testing positive for the banned substance clenbuterol. He blamed it on tainted meat. And the strained relationship with Golden Boy ended only after he filed a lawsuit seeking his freedom, which ultimately led to just that.

With that in mind, Alvarez was asked whether he would’ve done anything differently if he could go back in time. He gave his shortest answer of the interview: “Nothing.”

Alvarez is a happy man. He has a beautiful young family, great wealth, the admiration of many and a career in which he has thrived like few before him. And there’s more to come. At least that’s what he wants. And Canelo Alvarez, through God’s gifts, hard work and determination, has always gotten what he wants.

Perhaps a quote on his website – CaneloTeam.com – sums up his approach to life best:

“Destiny is not a matter of chance. It’s a matter of choice. Life is hard but never give up. Keep on fighting and always believe in yourself to achieve your dreams.”

[lawrence-related id=17558,17549,17532,17520,17422,17363,17354]

Now 47-year-old Oscar De La Hoya hints at comeback

Oscar De La Hoya told RingTV.com that he has been inspired by Tyson’s workout videos and is considering returning to the ring himself.

First Mike Tyson. Then Evander Holyfield.

Now Oscar De La Hoya?

The 47-year-old Golden Boy, who heads his own promotional company, told RingTV.com that he has been inspired by Tyson’s workout videos and is considering a return to the ring himself.

Tyson, who turns 54 on June 30, has said he wants to take part in exhibitions for charity.

“I want to see what Tyson does first,” De La Hoya said. “I have been working out, I have been training, I have been staying in shape.

“Obviously, I’m not in fighting shape yet to go 12 rounds, but I’m sure I can get there. We’ll see.”

He went on: “I want to see Tyson perform. [I want to] see how his reflexes are, see if he can go past three, four rounds. Then I’ll make my decision.”

De La Hoya (39-6, 30 KOs) last fought on Dec. 6, 2008, when he was knocked out by Manny Pacquiao in eight rounds.

Golden Boy bolsters digital content to serve fans during lock down

Golden Promotions has announced that it is adding content to its digital platforms to serve fans during the coronavirus pandemic.

Golden Promotions has announced that it is adding content to its digital platforms to serve fans during the coronavirus pandemic.

The content, which will be distributed on RingTV.com, its Facebook page “Golden Boy Fight Night”, its YouTube channel and DAZN, will include the following: Branded features, condensed versions of selected fights in the Golden Boy video library and a bolstered social media package.

“These are difficult times for people all over the world,” Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy, stated in a news release. “Our job for almost 20 years has been to entertain and delight fans with the best that boxing can offer, and we feel that it is our duty to continue doing so during this time.

“We will be successful if we can provide our fans just moments of solace and escape from this current global crisis as our talented team of editors and producers re-create both classic fights and barn burners into bite-sized segments that can be viewed in three to five minutes.”

Golden Boy provided some examples of the video content. Among the themes: “Best Knockouts”; “Before They Were Stars,”  a look at the geneses of fighters’ careers; “Mexico vs. Puerto Rico,” showcasing the international rivalry; “The Breakdown,” fighters breaking down their own fights; and “Pound 4 Pound Presented by Ring Magazine,” a collection of fights selected by the magazine staff.

As part of the bolstered social media content, Golden Boy is featuring the following: “Ask Me Anything,” weekly Q&As with Golden Boy fighters; “Catching up in Quarantine,” interviews with fighters on Zoom on Tuesdays and Thursdays; “IG Live,” weekly live broadcasts on the Golden Boy Instagram Story focusing on fighters’ lives; “Exclusive Footage,” behind the scenes video content; and “Welcome to My Quarantine,” in which fighters reveal how they are coping during lock down.