“STAR POWER: Mayweather vs. Ortiz” just got propelled into another galaxy, as it was announced today that rising Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez will defend his WBC super welterweight championship against Alfonso Gomez on the televised undercard of the September 17 pay-per-view extravaganza featuring the WBC welterweight world championship mega-fight between Floyd Mayweather and Victor Ortiz.

   Making this announcement more significant and unique is the fact that Alvarez and Gomez will face each other at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, while Mayweather and Ortiz will battle at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, creating a mega-event from two world-class cities.

   Fans in attendance at each arena will be able to see the fight live from the other arena, making this a first-time split-site boxing experience taking place on Mexican Independence Day boxing weekend.

   “STAR POWER” is living up to its name as a mega-event with the addition of Canelo Alvarez vs. Alfonso Gomez,” said Leonard Ellerbe, CEO Mayweather Promotions. “To have this event emanate from two separate locations like STAPLES Center and MGM Grand Garden Arena is a testament to the size and magnitude of the event and what it will deliver to the fans in the arenas and those watching at home on pay-per-view. Floyd is absolutely thrilled that Alvarez vs. Gomez will be a part of this show from Los Angeles.”

   Already Mexico’s brightest young star, 21-year-old Canelo Alvarez (37-0-1, 27 KO’s) of Guadalajara is quickly becoming an international sensation with fans around the world taking noting of his power and prowess in the ring and his charm and charisma outside of the ring. Following wins over former World Champions Carlos Baldomir and Lovemore N’Dou in 2010, Alvarez kicked off 2011 with a March victory over Matthew Hatton that earned him the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship. Three months later, Alvarez returned to Guadalajara for a homecoming title defense and victory over Ryan Rhodes that captivated a nation. With his American fan base growing at a meteoric pace, Alvarez will hold court in the City of Angels as he defends his title from STAPLES Center and fights for the Mexican people against ultra-tough Alfonso Gomez.

   “I’m happy to come back to fight in Los Angeles at STAPLES Center for another Mexican Independence Day weekend,” said Alvarez. “Alfonso Gomez is a good fighter and also from Guadalajara, Mexico. I hope the fight will be explosive because that is what the fans will be looking for between two Mexican warriors like us, but I feel confident I am going to win the fight.”

   A fan favorite who was present in American living rooms every week when he competed on “The Contender” reality show, Alfonso Gomez (23-4-2, 12 KO’s) has proven that he has what it takes to battle it out with the elite in the years since his stint on national television. The owner of wins over Arturo Gatti, Ben Tackie, and Jesse Brinkley, the 30-year old Los Angeles resident has also faced current WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Miguel Cotto and Peter Manfredo Jr., but he is currently showing the best form of his 10-year career thanks to a five-fight winning streak that includes victories over Jesus Soto Karass and Jose Luis Castillo. Now, he prepares for his second world title shot as he takes on Canelo Alvarez on September 17.

   “Canelo’s popularity is great for him and for boxing,” said Gomez.  “I know Canelo’s team thinks I’m just another notch on his belt, but it’s not the first time a popular fighter made the same mistake. I’ve fought and beaten much better competition and I’m coming to win the world title. Canelo and I come from the same place and we are both Mexican warriors. I heard there’s another fight happening in Las Vegas on September 17, but as far as I’m concerned, the best fight on that day will be at STAPLES Center.  I can think of no better way to celebrate Mexican Independence Day weekend…Viva Mexico!”   

Burgos decisions Leon

   It was a night of sheer skill and will on this past Friday’s edition of the “Path to Glory” card that took place at The Doubletree Hotel Ontario.

   In the main event of the evening WBC featherweight title challenger, Juan Carlos Burgos (27-1, 19KO) took on veteran Gilberto Sanchez Leon (29-11-2, 11KO).  The back and forth fight went the distance and judges scored the fight 100-90, 97-93 and 98-92, all in favor of Burgos.

   Said Burgos about his performance, “At my level, I probably should have done better. He came here to do his job and that was to grab and clinch. I will use it as a lesson for me never to be over confident.  I want to show everyone that I am committed to being a world champion and that is what I am trying to do. “