HBO Boxing: Daniel Ponce De Leon Returns April 25

On Saturday, April 25, HBO Plus’ “Next Boxing Generation” is pleased to feature the return of former WBO Junior Featherweight Champion Daniel Ponce De Leon to the series as he continues on his road back to the title in a pivotal 12 round matchup for the vacant NABF Featherweight Championship against hard-hitting Marlon Aguilar at the Coliseo Miguel Canto on the sunny island of Cozumel in Quintana Roo, Mexico.

In the co-feature, unbeaten junior bantamweight Jose Salgado the pride of Cozumel, puts his unblemished record on the line against Darwin Zamora of Matagalpa, Nicaragua in a 12 round WBC Youth Championship bout.

Perhaps the hardest puncher in the world, pound for pound, Cuauhtemoc, Mexico’s Ponce De Leon, 35-2 (31), is working his way back up the ladder in one of boxing’s most talent rich divisions and he’s doing it with his amazing power and improving boxing skills.

A former WBO Junior Featherweight Champion who defended his crown six times before losing it to Juan Manuel Lopez in June, 2008, De Leon returned to the ring in style last November on “Next Boxing Generation” with a fourth round knockout of Damian David Marchiano and he hopes to match that success on April 25.

Just 21 years old, Managua, Nicaragua’s Aguilar, 19-6-1 (14), has an aggressive style that translates to the way he has handled his career thus far, as he has fought nine times each in 2006 and 2007, six times in 2008 and three times already this year, making him one of the most active young fighters in boxing today. In his last bout, Aguilar halted Antonio Galindo in four rounds on March 25.

Boxing insiders had a pretty good idea that 19-year-old Salgado, 16-0 (14), had talent the first time they saw him, yet despite his success in taking the WBC Youth title in 2008 and defending it four times, people didn’t realize how good he really was until December 20, 2008.

That night, Salgado defeated former world champion Melchor Cob Castro via unanimous decision. That victory earned him the WBC Cabofe title and has propelled him into the upcoming televised bout against Zamora, 14-1-1 (12).

This night of world-class professional boxing, presented by Golden Boy Promotions, in association with Marquez Boxing Promotions, Producciones Deportivas de Ricardo Maldonado Jr., sponsored by Tecate and the Cozumel Board of Tourism will air live on the HBO Plus service in Latin America beginning at 9:00pm local time. Doors open at 6:45pm and the first bout begins at 7:00pm local time.

Tickets priced at $1,200, $1,000, $900, $700, $400, $300, $150 and $80 pesos, are on sale now and can be purchased at Lugar Mini super at15 avenida sur between Adolfo Rosado Salas and 3 sur or by calling 52 987 8722167. Tickets can also be purchased at Lugar Palacio Municipial, located at 13 avenida sur and Rafael E. Melgar or by calling 52 9878007421.

“Next Boxing Generation”, which was launched in August of 2008 by Golden Boy Promotions in association with HBO Latin America Group, features the top up and coming Latin American fighters in boxing today in exciting bouts that will appeal to fans across all demographics.

A full undercard will be announced shortly. For more information, please visit www.goldenboypromotions.com