World Champ Fortuna vs. Velasquez September 29 PBC On FS1
Super featherweight world champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (28-0-1, 20 KOs) takes on 2004 Puerto Rican Olympian Carlos “Twin Dream” Velasquez (19-1, 12 KOs) as PBC “Toe To Toe Tuesdays” on FS1 comes to the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas on Tuesday, September 29.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT with undercard action to be announced shortly.
“I am so excited to be headlining this great event and I look forward to defending my title in Las Vegas,” said Fortuna. “Velasquez is a very tough fighter, but I am going to prove that I am a great world champion. This will be an entertaining fight and I won’t stop going until I get the knockout.”
“It’s been a childhood dream of mine to become a world champion and now that time has come to show the world that I’m worthy.” said Velasquez. “I’m going to leave everything in the ring against Fortuna. He’s one of the best fighters in the division and a win against him will open up many doors for my career. ”
“September 29 is shaping up to be another exceptional card at the Pearl at Palms Casino Resort,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather Promotions. “It will be another great night of action in the arena or on your television on FS1 from start to finish.”
“The Pearl always provides a fantastic, intimate spot to watch a live boxing match,” said Billy Conn, Vice President of Entertainment and Special Events at Palms Casino Resort. “We welcome these spirited and driven fighters, as well as FS1, for what will be a great night of sports action.”
An amateur standout that participated in the first Pan American Junior Championships in 2003, the 26-year-old Fortuna owns victories over Abner Cotto, Miguel Zamudio and Patrick Hyland. He most recently took down the highly regarded Bryan Vasquez to earn a super featherweight world title.
Representing La Romana, Dominican Republic, Fortuna looks to be impressive in his first title defense and fourth career start in Las Vegas.
Although Velasquez now calls Miami his home, he was a 2004 Olympian representing Catano, Puerto Rico. Since turning pro in 2007, he has been beaten just once and enters this fight on a four-fight win streak. He most recently earned a dominant victory over Jesus Ruiz and will be returning to Vegas for the first time since 2013 for his world title shot.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Mayweather Promotions are priced at $100.50, $75.50, $50.50 and $20.50 plus applicable fees, and are on sale Thursday, September 10. Tickets may be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling the Pearl Box Office at 702-994-3200 or Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000