Bruno Escalante will be honored for his astonishing 2013 boxing accomplishments,

IBA SUPER FLYWEIGHT CHAMPION BRUNO ESCALANTE PHILIPPINE SAC AWARD RECIPIENT

Photo Credit Cliff Jeans CEBU, PHILIPPINES -- Tonight in Cebu, Philippines at the at SAC Awards (Sportswriters Association of Cebu) being held at the Ayala Activity Center, Bruno Escalante will be honored for his astonishing 2013 boxing accomplishments, where he went 5-0 and captured the IBA super-flyweight world title.  The SAC Awards honor the best athletes born in Cebu. Veteran sportswriter Quinito Henson will be the guest of honor.   "I'm very grateful to be recognized by the SAC panel for my recent success in boxing last year," said Escalante. "The people of Cebu are very close to my heart as I still have a lot of family there. Cebu will always be on my mind each and every time I step in the ring.  I pray for continued success in boxing.  It's a blessing to be receiving this award.  I want to thank my team and everyone who's been supporting me on my journey to be the best fighter in my division."     Fotos Luis Alberto Torres - ISC@2014

Earthquakes vs. New England Revolution on Saturday, March 29

The San Jose Earthquakes return home this week to take on the New England Revolution on Saturday, March 29, presented by Nimble Storage. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. PT at Buck Shaw Stadium on Comcast SportsNet California, 1590 KLIV and 1370 KZSF.

NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION INFO

Earthquakes vs. New England Revolution All-Time
MLS Regular Season: 20-12-5
Home: 10-5-3 (37 GF, 23 GA)
Away: 10-7-2 (31 GF, 21 GA)
Shootout (1996-99): 0-0; Overtime (2000-03): 0-0-1; Playoffs: 0-0-0;
US Open Cup: 0-0-0
All-Time Scoring: San Jose – 66, New England – 46

New England Revolution Scouting Report
The New England Revolution (0-2-1, 1 pt.) enter the week looking for their first win of the season. They were among the surprise teams one year ago, finishing the season in third-place in the Eastern Conference with 51 points from a 14-11-9 record. Portuguese center back Jose Goncalves, the 2013 MLS Defender of the Year, is back in the fold along with a host of attack-minded talent. The midfield features a trio of creative players in Diego Fagundez, Lee Nguyen and Kelyn Rowe. Among the options up top are former United States Men’s National Team forward Charlie Davies and Teal Bunbury.

Last Game vs. New England Revolution
Earthquakes 0, New England Revolution; July 6, 2013; Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass.
Playing for the third time in eight days, the Earthquakes fell 2-0 against the Revolution at Gillette Stadium. San Jose played shorthanded for the second match in a row with just 16 players in uniform due to international call-ups, injuries and a suspension. The Revolution capitalized in front of their home crowd, tallying first in the 13th minute thanks to a strike from Saer Sene. The French forward blasted a shot from the top of the box that took a deflection on its way into the net, leaving Earthquakes goalkeeper Jon Busch helpless to make the save. New England tacked on a second goal late in the second half as Lee Nguyen linked up with Dimitry Imbongo. Kelyn Rowe started the play with a through ball to Nguyen. The winger timed his run perfectly and one-timed a cross that found Imbongo on the doorstep for a tap-in finish.

History of the Quakes – Revolution Rivalry
The Quakes are 20-12-5 all-time against the Revs in regular-season games, and dominated the series from 2001-05 … The Quakes did not lose to New England for 12 straight games over those five seasons, putting together a 9-0-3 record while out-scoring their opponent 27-11 from May 5, 2001, through Oct. 1, 2005 … The Revs had not beaten the Quakes since July 22, 2000 (2-1), until their 2-0 home victory on May 17, 2008 … Since dropping the match on Aug. 29, 2009, the Earthquakes have gone 4-0-1 against the Revolution … During the most recent match on Mar. 10, 2012, forward Chris Wondolowski scored the lone goal in a 1-0 Earthquakes victory … New England won their most recent duel 2-0 on July 6, 2013 at Gillette Stadium with the Earthquakes dressing just 16 on their matchday roster due to national team call-ups, injuries and suspensions.

Earthquakes – New England Revolution Connections
New England midfielder Stephen McCarthy spent the first four years (2006-09) of his college career with Santa Clara at Buck Shaw Stadium prior to transferring to North Carolina for his redshirt senior season in 2010 … Earthquakes goalkeeper David Bingham (2008-10), Earthquakes defender Ryan Neil (2010-13), Revs midfielder Alec Sundly (2010-13) and Revs defender A.J. Soares (2008-10) attended Cal … Earthquakes midfielder Tommy Thompson (2013), Revs defender Kevin Alston (2006-08), Revs midfielder Lee Nguyen (2004-05) and Revs goalkeeper Luis Soffner (2008-12) attended Indiana University … Earthquakes defender Victor Bernardez and Revs forward Jerry Bengston both play for the Honduran national team … New England forward Donnie Smith and Quakes goalkeeper Jon Busch both played collegiately at North Carolina-Charlotte … Earthquakes winger Yannick Djalo and Revs defender Jose Goncalves are both Portuguese, each having grown up in Lisbon … Djalo and Goncalves both represented Portugal at the 2007 European Championship … Earthquakes midfielder Shea Salinas and Revs goalkeeper Brad Knighton played together with Philadelphia in 2010 … Earthquakes forward Billy Schuler (2009-11) and Revs defender Stephen McCarthy (2009-10) played college soccer for North Carolina … Earthquakes defender Clarence Goodson (2000-03) and Revs forward Patrick Mullins (2010-13) attended Maryland … Earthquakes defender Joe Sofia (2010-13) and Revs midfielder Kelyn Rowe (2010-11) attended UCLA … Earthquakes midfielder Khari Stephenson, Earthquakes defender Shaun Francis and Revs midfielder O’Brian Woodbine are all from Jamaica … Revolution General Manager Mike Burns played for the Earthquakes during the 2000 season … Quakes head coach Mark Watson was an interim assistant coach with New England during the 2009 playoffs … San Jose and New England were two of the 10 original members of MLS during its inaugural 1996 season.

All-Time Regular-Season Series Leaders:

                                    Earthquakes                                     New England Revolution
Goals                          5 - Ching/Dayak                                   5 - Joe-Max Moore
Assists                      5 - Landon Donovan                           5 - Moore/Ralston
Shots                         23 - Ronald Cerritos               28 - Taylor Twellman
Shots on Goal           14 - Ronald Cerritos               15 - Taylor Twellman
Fouls Committed    31 - John Doyle                                   22 - Rusty Pierce
Fouls Suffered         28 - Richard Mulrooney                       27 - Shalrie Joseph

Wins                           8 Joe Cannon                                      3 Matt Reis
Losses                      6 Joe Cannon                                      5 Matt Reis
Shutouts                   4 Joe Cannon                                      2 Matt Reis
Saves                         74 Joe Cannon                                    27 Matt Reis
Goals Allowed          20 Joe Cannon                                    12 Matt Reis

All-Time Regular-Season Series Game Highs:  

                                    Earthquakes                                     New England Revolution
Goals                          2 - 9 players tied                                 2 - Moore/Beasley
Assists                      2 - 9 players tied                                 2 - 4 players tied
Shots                                     6 - Junior Agogo (8/8/01)                    8 - Twellman/Caraglio
Shots on Goal           4 - 4 players tied                                 5 - Mamadou Diallo (4/6/02)
Fouls Committed   7 - Ekelund/Mullan                               6 - Carlos Parra (5/6/00)
Fouls Suffered         6 - Azizi/Mulrooney                             10 - Clint Dempsey (4/2/05)

Saves                                     8 - Salzwedel/Kramer                         11 - Juergen Sommer (5/5/01)
Goals Allowed          3 - 3 players tied                                 6 - Jim St. Andre (8/11/96)

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

No Place Like Home
The Earthquakes are on a 21-game unbeaten streak in all competitions at home dating back to opening day of 2013, a 2-0 loss against Real Salt Lake on March 3. The club is 24-2-14 in all competitions at Buck Shaw Stadium since 2012 and 27-4-14 including matches played at other Bay Area venues.

Earthquakes All-Time in March
The Earthquakes are 10-13-2 all-time during the regular season in March.
Wondolowski King of March
Chris Wondolowski is the all-time MLS leader for goals in March with 10. He became the first to reach double digits with his strike against Real Salt Lake on March 15 in the club’s 2014 opener. Kenny Cooper, Omar Cummings and Thierry Henry are tied for second with seven apiece.

Wondolowski vs. New England
Chris Wondolowski has four goals in eight games against the Revolution, tied for ninth-most among active players. Toronto FC’s Dwayne De Rosario is the active leader against New England with eight goals.

Portuguese Connection
Whether or not Earthquakes winger Yannick Djalo plays this weekend, he’ll have a familiar face on the other side of the field in New England Revolution defender Jose Goncalves. The duo represented Portugal at the 2007 U-21 European Championship, suiting up with stars Moutinho and Nani. Among the players they faced in the tournament were Marouane Fellaini, Jan Vertonghen and Thomas Vermaelen of Belgium and Giuseppe Rossi, Alberto Aquilani and Giorgio Chiellini of Italy. Portugal finished sixth in that tournament, losing an Olympic Play-off in penalties to Italy.

Earthquakes Eliminated from Champions League
The Earthquakes went toe-to-toe with one of the top teams in Mexico, but ultimately fell in a penalty-kick shootout on March 19 at Deportivo Toluca FC’s Nemesio Diez Stadium. San Jose tied Toluca FC at 2-2 in the aggregate after 120 minutes at nearly 9,000 feat above sea level, but conceded a 5-4 advantage in the shootout to end their run in CONCACAF Champions League.

San Jose Signs San Francisco Native Billy Knutsen
The Earthquakes signed San Francisco native Billy Knutsen last week. Knutsen, 21, was a fourth-round selection (No. 74 overall) of San Jose in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. A two-year starter at goalkeeper for American University, he recorded 13 shutouts in 37 games between 2012 and 2013. He posted goals-against averages of 1.06 and 0.93 per game in 2013 and 2012, respectively. Knutsen also made eight appearances during his first two seasons at American, recording three shutouts in the process. A San Francisco native, he played high school soccer for St. Ignatius Prep.

Tickets on Sale for Levi’s® Stadium Match
The Santa Clara Stadium Authority and the San Jose Earthquakes have partnered to present the first event at Levi’s® Stadium. The Earthquakes will host to Seattle Sounders FC in one of Major League Soccer’s most heated rivalries on Aug. 2, 2014. Tickets are now on sale at www.ticketmaster.com.

USMNT to Host World Cup Send-Off Match at Candlestick Park
The United States Men’s National Team will open a three-game FIFA World Cup send-off series against Azerbaijan at Candlestick Park on Tuesday, May 27. Kickoff is 7 p.m. PT on ESPN2, WatchESPN and UniMas. The match marks the first time the USMNT will visit Candlestick Park. The U.S. has only played in San Francisco once before, garnering a 3-2 win against Japan at AT&T Park in 2006. The match will also be the first time the United States and Azerbaijan’s senior teams have played against each other. In addition to the match in San Francisco, the United States will also face Turkey at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J. on Sunday, June 1 (11 a.m. PT / ESPN2, WatchESPN and UniMas) and Nigeria at EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Fla. on Saturday, June 7 (3 p.m. PT / ESPN, WatchESPN and UniMas).

Earthquakes-Timbers Game on Oct. 4 to be Aired Live on NBC Sports Network
The club’s match against the Portland Timbers on Saturday, Oct. 4 will be aired live on NBC Sports Network. Kickoff is 8 p.m. PT at Buck Shaw Stadium. The match was previously scheduled for local viewing at 7:30 p.m. PT. All tickets issued for that match will still be valid at the gates.

Wine And Dine with the Earthquakes Slated for Sunday, May 18
The club will host its Wine and Dine with the Earthquakes event on Sunday, May 18 at Guglielmo Winery in Morgan Hill. For a third-consecutive year, guests will enjoy tasting a selection of Guglielmo's red and white wines while mingling with Earthquakes players, coaches and front office staff at the Villa Emile Event Center. They will also experience the irresistible charm of a vintage cobblestone courtyard, a picturesque backdrop with vineyards and rolling hills and a wine bar and arbor still draped with grapes on vines planted by the Guglielmo family three generations ago. The event will feature a buffet dinner courtesy of Cosmopolitan Catering, live auction, raffle and grape stomp as well as celebrity bartending from Earthquakes players. For more information and to register, visit www.sjearthquakes.com or email the club’s community relations manager, Alison Piergallini, atapiergallini@sjearthquakes.com.

Earthquakes to Host Fifth-Annual Corporate Cup
The Earthquakes will host its Fifth Annual Corporate Cup on Saturday, July 26 in San Jose. The 5v5 tournament features companies from across the Bay Area, including past winners National Tire Warehouse, DZH Phillips and DV8 Elite. Teams are guaranteed at least three games and can choose to play in Men’s Corporate, Men’s Open or the Co-Ed divisions. Registration is now open atwww.sjearthquakes.com or by calling 408-556-7700. All proceeds will benefit the Earthquakes Community Fund. Packages will include a fully catered meal by Cosmo Catering during the tournament and San Jose Earthquakes match tickets. All proceeds will benefit the Earthquakes Community Fund.

Earthquakes Unveil New Logo, Jerseys
The Earthquakes unveiled the club’s new logo during a public event attended by over 4,000 fans last week at San Pedro Square Market in Downtown San Jose. The club projected images and videos onto the 12-story Sunwize building at the corner of W St. John St. and N San Pedro St. For more information about the unveiling, visitwww.sjearthquakes.com.

ACADEMY NOTES

Earthquakes U-16s
The Earthquakes U-16s were idle over the weekend. They’ll return to action on Saturday, March 29 against second-place Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Simon Fraser University. Kickoff is 2:30 p.m. PT.

Earthquakes U-18s
The Earthquakes U-18s were idle over the weekend. Next up is a key match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Simon Fraser University on Saturday, March 29. Kickoff is 12 p.m. PT.

 Fotos: Luis Alberto Torres ISC@

TUREANO JOHNSON LOOKS TO GO TO WAR WITH STEVENS

GARY SHAW PRODUCTIONS

TUREANO JOHNSON LOOKS TO GO TO WAR WITH STEVENS Photo By Tom Casino / Showtime New Jersey -- Gary Shaw Productions undefeated middleweight contender, Tureano Johnson (14-0, 10 KOs) is training hard for his upcoming bout with Curtis "Showtime" Stevens (26-4-0, 19 KOs) taking place at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA on Friday, April 4th.Johnson vs. Stevens, a ten-round bout, will be will be televised on NBCSN "Fight Night" as the co-feature to Steve "USS" Cunningham (26-6-0, 12 KOs) vs. Amir "Hardcore" Mansour (20-0-0, 15 KOs).  Johnson, who resides in Hollywood, Florida, by way of Nassau, Bahamas, was part of the 2008 Bahamas Olympic Team.  After having a decorated amateur career in which he worked alongside the Cuban National Team for the eight years, Johnson has developed into an outstanding professional, winning convincingly in all of his fourteen pro fights.  He feels confident in his ability to defeat Stevens, who's ranked #11 by the WBC and IBF. "I would like to thank my promoter, Gary Shaw, for making this fight possible.  On April 4th, the world will be introduced to Tureano Johnson.  This has been a long, hard road for me filled with blood, sweat, and ruthless determination.  I have been begging for this opportunity to pit my skills against the so-called best in my division.  However, it is easier said than done in this world of boxing.  No one would fight me until now.  I respect Curtis Stevens.  He is a strong, hard-punching fighter who has been in with the best.  But he can't and won't beat me.  To all the fans, don't miss this fight on NBC Sports.  I'm sure it is going to be a throw-back fight.  It has been said that I'm not the most "technical" fighter out there.  Well it's true.  I like to mix it up, throw hard punches, and get a little barbaric in the ring.  I'm coming to fight and win impressively.  After April 4th, I know I will get the fights I deserve." said Johnson. One of the best fighters to ever come from the Bahamas, Johnson will have to shake off the rust, being that he's been out of the ring for over a year.  "The long layoff will finally be coming to an end and it won't be a problem.  I've had so many fights as an amateur that boxing is like riding a bike for me. I'll know what to do as soon as I step in the ring.  My body is well rested and I'll be 100% healthy going into this fight." Johnson concluded. Promoter Gary Shaw feels Johnson is a star in the making as he stated, "Tureano Johnson is a very special fighter with an incredible work ethic.  With that being said, he'll have every opportunity to showcase his skills on the big stage.  Against Stevens, I expect he'll be tested, but I know he'll adapt to anything he brings, and win the fight.  This will be another excellent fight, one the fans will not want to miss."

JOSE SNIPER PEDRAZA CAPTURES IBO WORLD TITLE

GARY SHAW PRODUCTIONS  TEAM PUERTO RICO THE NEW WAVE, ONCE AGAIN MAKING A SPLASH

JOSE SNIPER PEDRAZA CAPTURES IBO WORLD TITLE   PAREDES AND RIVERA WIN PRO DEBUTS PONCE, PUERTO RICO --Last night at the auditorium Juan Pachin Vicens in Ponce, Puerto, undefeated super featherweight contender, Jose "Sniper" Pedraza (16-0, 10 KOs) captured the vacant International Boxing Organization super featherweight world title, with a dominating unanimous decision victory against Mexico's Alberto "Kichis" Garza (26-7-1, 21 KOs).  Scorecards read 119-109, 118-110 and 117-111. "This was another fight where I went the distance and learned a lot." said Pedraza. "I'm working on everything each time I step in the ring.  I'm feeling more comfortable while I'm honing in on my skills to get better.  I feel I'm ready to fight any of the other world champions in my division, but 'm going to leave that up to my promoters, Gary Shaw, Lou DiBella and Javier Bustillo.  I'll fight anyone anywhere.  I'm ready to make my people proud.  Fighting in Puerto Rico is the best." Newly signed amateur stars, bantamweight Jean "Chapito" Rivera (1-0) and featherweight Luis Paredes (1-0) were successful, winning their pro debuts convincingly. Riviera used his speed and lateral movement to defeat his opponent Josue Class (0-1).  Scorecards read 39-36 and 40-35 twice all in favor of Rivera. "Coming out victorious in my first pro fight was the goal for me tonight." said Riviera. "I learned a lot in this fight and I want to thank Gary Shaw for everything. I feel great and it was incredible fighting in front of my people here in Puerto Rico.  I'm hoping to get right back in the ring." Paredes faced a game opponent in Kevin Vazquez, who was also making his pro debut, but won convincingly.  Scorecards read 39-36 across the board for Paredes. "It was great to come out on top in my first professional fight," Paredes said. "I'm going to keep working hard, while improving with each fight.  Puerto Rican fans are the best and I'm happy to be fighting here at home.  My promoter Gary Shaw has plans to keep me busy so I'll be ready to go when my name is called." Pedraza is a member of "Team Puerto Rico", which is a collaboration between Gary Shaw Productions, DiBella Entertainment and Universal Promotions, made with the goal of gathering the best of Puerto Rico's boxing talents. Paredes and Rivera are promoted by Gary Shaw Productions.

Diego Colorado ganó la XlV Carrera del Sucre

Diego Colorado, de Porvenir tomó revancha de su derrota hace ocho días en Bogotá y logró su cuarto título de temporada, esta vez en la XIV Carrera Atlética Aniversario del Departamento de Sucre.

En un recorrido de 13.5 kilómetros el cual estaba pactado a cuatro giros sobre un circuito de 3.4k, el hombre Porvenir, en compañía de Javier Guarín, de New Balance, actual campeón de la Allianz 15k resistió los ataques de Julius Gidabuday, de Tanzania, Javier Andrés Peña, de la Policía Nacional, y Juan Carlos Cardona, de Garmin.

En el paso de la segunda a la tercera vuelta, del recorrido, el experimentado antioqueño apretó su paso empezando a sacar diferencia; sobre la última vuelta lanzó el ataque definitivo y se quedó con la cuarta corona en esta popular competencia sucreña, luego de sumar los títulos de los años 2009, 2012 y 2013.

“Tenía que salir a correr, el fin de semana pasado estaba cansado y al final perdí la prueba, pero en Sincelejo me sentí cómodo y muy fuerte para atacar. Revisaremos con mi equipo Porvenir la próxima prueba. En los planes esta la Carrera Allianz 15k del domingo 08 de junio, segunda prueba preparatoria para la media maratón de Bogotá 2014”, afirmó Colorado.

Seis triunfos en seguidilla suma la escuadra Porvenir en la prueba atlética que año tras año se realiza en el aniversario del departamento sucreño; Diego Colorado 2009, 2012, 2013 y 2014, Juan Carlos Cardona 2010 y Jason Gutiérrez 2011.

Resultados:

1.   Diego Colorado – Porvenir – 41:36

2.   Javier Guarín – New Balance – 42:02

3.   Julius Gidabuday – Tanzania – 42:09

4.   Juan Carlos Cardona – Garmin – 42:15

5.   Javier Andrés Peña – Policía Nacional – 42:29

PRESENTA PESAJE OFICIAL PARA LOS COMBATES TITULARES POR EL CAMPEONATO MUNDIAL DE LA IBO DE LAS 130 LIBRAS

GARY SHAW PRODUCTIONS  TEAM PUERTO RICO THE NEW WAVE, ONCE AGAIN MAKING A SPLASH

PRESENTA PESAJE OFICIAL PARA LOS COMBATES TITULARES POR EL CAMPEONATO  MUNDIAL DE LA IBO DE LAS 130 LIBRAS EL CUAL  DISPUTARAN JOSÉ "SNIPER" PEDRAZA VS ALBERTO GARZA. TAMBIEN SE DISPUTARA EL TITULO  INTERNACIONAL DE LA IBO DE LAS 135 L ENTRE REY OJEDA VS FERNANDO TORRES.     PONCE, PR-  Estamos bien confiados con mi fuerza yo estoy solido y con mas energías que nunca. "VOY A GANAR POR KO" afirmo el mexicano Alberto Kichis Graza cuando se vio cara a cara con José Sniper Pedraza. El compromiso titular de este sábado, 22 de marzo en Ponce, Este mega cartel le trae a Puerto Rico la oportunidad de un  titulo mundial. José Sniper Pedraza esta optimista en que ganara ese titulo mundial para PR. Vamos a trabajar como lo hacemos de costumbre pero vamos a apretar al mexicano y lo voy a KO, expreso el boricua José Sniper Pedraza. El cidreño José "Sniper" Pedraza, expondrá su invicto ante su gente y buscará el título mundial de la Organización Internacional de Boxeo (IBO) de las 130 libras además Rey Ojeda vs Fernando Torres quienes se enfrentan en una revancha por el titulo internacional IBO están listos de ambas partes. Me lo gano por KO en el round 5 nos comento Fernando Torres. Mientras que Rey Ojeda esta preparado para cualquier cosa que pueda suceder. Todo esto como parte de la Noche de Campeones de DIRECTV  desde las 6:00 PM en el Auditorio Juan Pachín Vicéns de Ponce, en una producción de Universal Promotions y su presidente, Javier Bustillo. El promotor, Javier Bustillo  y su socio Gary Shaw quien se encuentra en PR y estará presente en la mega cartelera  están confiados del éxito que tendrán la noche de sábado. A pasado tiempo en PR que no se hacia un cartel donde se encontraran 10 prospectos  reales y futuros campeones en una sola cartelera, Expreso Javier Bustillo presidente de Universal Promotions. José Sniper Pedraza marco en la bascula 129 libras, Alberto Kishis Garza hizo 130 libras, Rey Ojeda marco 135 libras y su contrincante Fernando Torres hizo las 135 libras. Para boletos en Universal:            787-848-4242 / 787-724-6215Contacto: José Rafael Orraca Teléfono: 787-423-7882/ 787-593-9117

ROBERT GUERRERO SIGNS WITH ADVISER AL HAYMON

ROBERT 'THE GHOST' GUERRERO ROBERT GUERRERO  SIGNS WITH ADVISER AL HAYMON EXCITED ABOUT BIG FIGHTS IN FUTURE Multiple world champion, Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero (31-2-1, 18 KOs), who's co-manager by Bob Santos andLuis Decubas Jr., has signed an agreement with world renowned adviser, Al Haymon. After a long layoff, Guerrero is eager to get back in the ring and start another run toward a world title.  With the addition of Haymon, sky is the limit for Guerrero, who will most likely be returning to the ring in the very near future. "Signing with Al Haymon was a team decision and together we feel with no doubts that this was the best move for my career," said Guerrero. "Team Guerrero and Team Al Haymon are united as one and together we are going straight to the top.  Al has proven to be the most successful adviser in boxing, getting his fighters the biggest fights, and I'm thrilled to be working with him and his team.  I'm hungry and I'm ready to get back in the ring.  My goals are still the same and that's to be the best fighter I can be and give the fans great performances." "I want to thank Bob Santos and Luis Decubas Jr. for bringing Al Haymon on board.  I also want to thank Al Haymon for bringing me on his team and supporting me on my future endeavors.   I'm looking forward to being in big fights moving forward and 2014 is going to be a great year for me.  I can't wait to get back in the ring for all my fans."