INSIDER
San Antonio resident Aki Epenisa carries Tonga’s flag at Summer Olympics’ opening ceremony
Read full article: San Antonio resident Aki Epenisa carries Tonga’s flag at Summer Olympics’ opening ceremonyDuring the 2024 Summer Olympics’ opening ceremony Friday in Paris, San Antonio resident Aki Epenisa was selected as a flag bearer for Tonga as she and her teammates went down the Seine River.
Tonga’s first-ever female Olympic boxer calls San Antonio home, hopes to inspire future generations
Read full article: Tonga’s first-ever female Olympic boxer calls San Antonio home, hopes to inspire future generationsAki Epenisa recently moved to San Antonio from Oakland and couldn't be happier in her new home.
Boxing program for Parkinson’s patients continues to grow, keeping disease progression at bay
Read full article: Boxing program for Parkinson’s patients continues to grow, keeping disease progression at bayParkinson's disease chips away at a person's physical, vocal and mental abilities, but boxing is known to slow that progression. For five years, a program has helped patients Punch Out Parkinson's, and the group is growing.
Longtime boxing program that provides kids an outlet at risk of closing
Read full article: Longtime boxing program that provides kids an outlet at risk of closingA boxing gym that has provided at-risk youths on the West Side a safe space to hang out since 1999 is against the ropes due to unforeseen financial issues.
INSIDE THE RING: ‘El Azteca’ determined to bring home another championship belt
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: ‘El Azteca’ determined to bring home another championship beltSan Antonio's Mario Barrios will fight on the Canelo vs. Charlo undercard this coming weekend with a chance to win another title belt.
BEST OF 2021: Tim Duncan, UTSA football, Kiana Williams headline San Antonio’s Top 12 sports stories of the year
Read full article: BEST OF 2021: Tim Duncan, UTSA football, Kiana Williams headline San Antonio’s Top 12 sports stories of the yearAfter one of the greatest years in San Antonio sports history, KSAT 12 counts down the 12 best moments and memories from 2021.
Youtube star Jake Paul defeats ex-UFC fighter Tyron Woodley in 6th-round knockout
Read full article: Youtube star Jake Paul defeats ex-UFC fighter Tyron Woodley in 6th-round knockoutA rematch between YouTube star Jake Paul and former UFC fighter Tyron Woodley ended in a 6th-round knockout Saturday night in Tampa, Florida.
World champion boxer facing felony robbery charges in San Antonio
Read full article: World champion boxer facing felony robbery charges in San AntonioWorld champion boxer Jermall Charlo turned himself in to authorities in Bexar County Wednesday morning, weeks after San Antonio police issued multiple felony robbery warrants against him.
San Antonio’s Mario Barrios reflects on first professional loss and hopes for the future
Read full article: San Antonio’s Mario Barrios reflects on first professional loss and hopes for the futureAfter his first professional loss, San Antonio boxer Mario Barrios stopped by KSAT 12 for a sitdown interview with Larry Ramirez to discuss his fight with Gervonta Davis and hopes for the future.
INSIDE THE RING: World Champion Mario Barrios talks upcoming fight with Gervonta Davis
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: World Champion Mario Barrios talks upcoming fight with Gervonta DavisNow that he has faced off with his opponent, Southwest alumnus Mario Barrios talks with KSAT 12 Sports' Larry Ramirez about his upcoming pay per view fight against Gervonta Davis on June 26.
FEATURE: San Antonio boxer Vincent Siordia staying patient after Olympic dreams put on hold
Read full article: FEATURE: San Antonio boxer Vincent Siordia staying patient after Olympic dreams put on holdSAN ANTONIO – San Antonio boxer Vincent Siordia, a Filipino-American, was invited to audition for the Philippines National Team to fight in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. He made the team, but the Olympics were moved to this summer because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Siordia trained once more to represent his native country this July, but was told he’d have to wait to compete in the next Olympic cycle in 2024 due to a lack of prior international experience.
INSIDE THE RING: Pandemic forces Leija to make changes
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: Pandemic forces Leija to make changesIt was a place to work, improve yourself and admire the poster covered walls, each displaying some of the biggest fights in boxing and Leija’s career. Thanks to the pandemic, the gym has hosted its last client. ChampionFit Boxing Gym is no more. Say hello to Leija Boxing and Fitness, located near the intersection of Loop 410 and Broadway. Ad“It’s strange being here, it’s like being in someone else’s house,” Leija said last week to KSAT 12 Sports.
Brothers at South Side boxing gym offer classes for all levels
Read full article: Brothers at South Side boxing gym offer classes for all levelsSAN ANTONIO – After competing in heavyweight boxing, Robert Luna and his sons, Robert Luna Jr. and Tony Luna, created boxing programs for other gyms before launching their own. It’s been 24 years since they introduced the “boxing as a workout” concept to San Antonio and now they are located at 257 Stonewall in San Antonio. Not only do they train professional boxers, they offer workouts for everyone and they have an open gym with flexible hours. For more information, click here.
Jesse James Leija set to open new boxing gym
Read full article: Jesse James Leija set to open new boxing gymSAN ANTONIO – If you’re looking to knock-out those 2021 fitness goals, San Antonio-native and 2-time world boxing champion Jesse James Leija can help you do just that. Classes and personal training are currently available at the Leija Boxing & Fitness gym off 6824 San Pedro Ave., but the new gym will be located at 8418 Broadway--closer to Loop 410. The goal is to have plenty of space to keep the social distance while maintaining their class loads and that means the San Pedro location will close. The new gym should be opening in the next few weeks, be sure to follow Leija and his gym on Instagram. For more information on classes and personal training, click here.
INSIDE THE RING: Rodriguez looks for another win in Las Vegas
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: Rodriguez looks for another win in Las VegasSAN ANTONIO – Some people leave Las Vegas winners. On Saturday, “Bam” Rodriguez (12-0, 8 KOs) will face Mexico’s Saul Juarez (25-12-2, 13 KOs) in a junior flyweight bout at “The Bubble” in the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rodriguez, who left for Las Vegas today, has been training for this fight since late September because his third fight of the year had been canceled twice before. No-Contest and AftermathA lot of people in the boxing world were really looking forward to the rematch between Joshua Franco and Andrew Moloney. “Honestly, I don’t even know how it started, I just know it got heated after the fight,” explained Rodriguez.
INSIDE THE RING: Canelo Returning To The Alamodome
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: Canelo Returning To The AlamodomeAccording to multiple sources, including one close to the negotiations, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez will make his return to the Alamodome on Saturday, December 19. 🇲🇽 Mi próxima pelea será en el @Alamodome de SATX, este 19 de dic vs @CallumSmith23 🥊 Venta de boletos miércoles 25. 🇺🇸 My next fight will be at the @Alamodome in SATX, this upcoming Dec 19th vs @CallumSmith23 🥊 Ticket sale Wed 25th. @MatchroomBoxing @DAZNBoxing #CaneloSmith pic.twitter.com/4B68BzJwF8 — Canelo Alvarez (@Canelo) November 20, 2020Canelo (53-1-2, 36 KOs) will be facing Britain’s Callum Smith (27-0, 19 KOs) in a 12-round super middleweight contest that will air live on DAZN. The fighters will be attempting to take each other’s belts, with Canelo owning the WBA “regular” super middleweight title and Smith’s WBA “super” super middleweight title.
INSIDE THE RING: Franco retains title belt after controversial review
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: Franco retains title belt after controversial reviewSan Antonio’s Joshua Franco was defending his WBA World Super Flyweight title against Australia’s Andrew Moloney, the man Franco took the belt from in June. Franco’s right eye immediately began to swell badly. At the end of the second round, Franco’s right eye was completely swollen shut. Multiple reviews aired showing what members of the broadcast believed to be the left jab by Moloney to cause the swelling of Franco’s right eye. After almost a half-hour of review, it was announced that the swelling was due to a accidental head-butt and Franco retained his championship belt.
INSIDE THE RING: San Antonio’s Franco returns to Las Vegas to defend title
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: San Antonio’s Franco returns to Las Vegas to defend titleIt was also the first successful defense for a world title by a San Antonio boxer in history. “El Profesor” took that belt away from Moloney in late June and was the talk of the boxing world through the summer. “By comparison, I think my trilogy was way tougher than my fight with Moloney,” said Franco to KSAT 12 Sports Thursday. Franco Moloney 2 will be the co-main event under the Terence Crawford vs. Kell Brook welterweight title bout. Daniel P. Villanueva has worked with KSAT 12 Sports for over 17 years and is an award-winning sports producer.
INSIDE THE RING: San Antonio’s World Champ Defends Title With KO Win
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: San Antonio’s World Champ Defends Title With KO WinBy the next round, Karl’s momentum and speed slowed down considerably. By the sixth round, Barrios stepped on the gas pedal. I was just being patient and I was ready for a 12 round fight. “I’d give myself a B (for the fight),” Barrios said. 37 of Barrios' 121 landed punches were body shots #BarriosKarl pic.twitter.com/FZZRftJSw6 — CompuBox (@CompuBox) November 1, 2020“Part of my style is attacking the body,” explained Barrios.
INSIDE THE RING: Barrios and fellow boxers address media for Alamodome fights
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: Barrios and fellow boxers address media for Alamodome fights“Come Saturday night, it’s going to be an explosive night of boxing throughout this whole card. I couldn’t imagine a better co-main event.”Barrios received mixed reactions from the crowd when he won his title belt on September 28 of last year. Saturday night, I’m going to show everyone how I’ve improved.”Karl is three years older than Barrios and has never fought for a belt in his professional career. “I come to fight, I’m rough and ready and I’m coming to win any way possible," said Karl. Saturday’s fight night will be the first in the nation to have fans present since the start of the coronavirus outbreak in the United States.
INSIDE THE RING: San Antonio’s World Champ Ready For Alamodome Fight Night
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: San Antonio’s World Champ Ready For Alamodome Fight NightSAN ANTONIO – Towards the end of 2019, no one could have predicted that the Alamodome could host two major boxing events this year. First, Mexico’s rising star Jaime Munguia crushed Gary O’Sullivan in January, which was the first big boxing event of 2020. Although he does enjoy his current surroundings, the undefeated fighter added, “I don’t picture myself living anywhere else other than San Antonio. The same rules will apply for fighters, personnel and media this week in downtown San Antonio. Thursday will be the main event press conference for Gervonta Davis and Leo Santa Cruz starting at noon.
INSIDE THE RING: San Antonio’s boxers headed to ESPN showcase
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: San Antonio’s boxers headed to ESPN showcaseSAN ANTONIO – The boxing world continues to schedule big fights as the end of 2020 approaches. The title fight will be the co-main event heading into the Terence Crawford and Kell Brook bout live on ESPN. Best of luck to @JoshuaFranco_ on his rematch and @KendoTremendo on his fight Saturday night! “Vargas hasn’t really been tested like this, going up against fighters like me, someone who causes trouble to elite fighters,” said Castaneda. He moved his training camp to Houston for five weeks to work with fighters including Regis Prograis and Miguel Flores.
INSIDE THE RING: Alamodome to open doors to boxing fans Halloween night
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: Alamodome to open doors to boxing fans Halloween nightSAN ANTONIO – It’s finally official: boxing is returning to the Alamodome and fans will be allowed to be in attendance. This will be the first boxing event in the United States to have fans present since the start of the coronavirus outbreak. “I’m very excited for my first title defense to be back home at the Alamodome,” Barrios said to KSAT 12 Sports Thursday. “Last fight I had (in San Antonio) was a sensational turnout and I know October 31st will be no different. According to the Alamodome events staff, 11,000 fans will be allowed inside for the fights.
INSIDE THE RING: San Antonio’s world champ to fight in Alamodome in front of fans, report says
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: San Antonio’s world champ to fight in Alamodome in front of fans, report says– San Antonio’s world champ is coming home to defend his world title. Barrios has fought in San Antonio four times but never in the Alamodome and never as a defending world champion. “I’m very excited for my first title defense to be back home at the Alamodome,” Barrios said to KSAT 12 Sports Thursday. “Last fight I had (in San Antonio) was a sensational turnout and I know October 31st will be no different. Leo Santa Cruz has fought in San Antonio before in 2013.
INSIDE THE RING: San Antonios Bam Rodriguez destroys another opponent
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: San Antonios Bam Rodriguez destroys another opponentSAN ANTONIO If you dont know Jesse Bam Rodriguez, you will soon enough. The younger brother of world champ Joshua Franco fought in the same ring as his older brother who took home the championship belt back in late June. And if things keep going the way they are, San Antonio could see another world title down the road. Rodriguez (12-0, 8 KOs) won his light flyweight contest on Saturday in Las Vegas against Janiel Rivera. https://t.co/hO4SGpqBKU Mario (@Boxer_Barrios) September 6, 2020Kendo Castaneda sends out some love for "Bam" Rodriguez after his latest win in Las Vegas Saturday night.
INSIDE THE RING: The Champ Returns
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: The Champ ReturnsSAN ANTONIO By the time Mario Barrios enters the ring as the world champ, it would have been almost 365 days since he won that title. On September 28, 2019, Mario Barrios defeated Batyr Akhmedov by unanimous decision to win the WBA World Super Lightweight championship belt. The Barrios vs. Karl fight will be one of four title fights on the Showtime/Premier Boxing Champions PPV card. Barrios told KSAT 12 Sports last year that he was more than willing to give Akhmedov the chance to fight him again. Karl is currently on a three-fight knockout streak after losing his second professional fight by technical knockout in 2018.
INSIDE THE RING: Tanajaras fight cancelled
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: Tanajaras fight cancelledSAN ANTONIO Hector Tanajara Jr. was preparing for his second fight of 2020. Veteran boxer Mercito Gesta came down with food poisoning and their co-main event scheduled for DAZN tonight had to be cancelled. Sorry to announce, but my fight has been cancelled. Right now, there are no plans for Tanajara Jr. and Gesta to fight each other in the near future. Daniel P. Villanueva has worked with KSAT 12 Sports for over 17 years and is an award-winning sports producer.
INSIDE THE RING: Tanajara Jr. fighting on DAZN
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: Tanajara Jr. fighting on DAZNSAN ANTONIO Fight night is quickly approaching for Hector Tanajara Jr.El Finito is putting his undefeated record on the line against veteran lightweight Mercito Gesta. Tanajara Jr. (19-0, 5 KOs) will be defending his WBC USNBC Lightweight title in his 20th career bout. Im looking forward to it, Tanajara said to KSAT 12 Sports last week via Zoom. I just have to keep working hard, everything weve been doing are the right steps to becoming a world champion, said Tanajara. When it comes time to fight, both Tanajara Jr. and Franco fly out to Riverside where they have a house and work with the legendary trainer Robert Garcia.
INSIDE THE RING: Castaneda comes up short in Las Vegas
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: Castaneda comes up short in Las VegasSAN ANTONIO San Antonios Kendo Castaneda took his latest fight on seven days notice. Tremendo told KSAT 12 Sports Saturday that he was staying fight ready and had no concerns going up against a veteran fighter who was trying to get back to a world title shot. Castaneda (17-2, 8 KOs) took his time to find his rhythm against the quick hitting and accurate Zepeda. However, for all the hype and love the broadcast showed for Zepeda, he didnt put away Castaneda easily. Castaneda indeed showed a lot of fight and never backed away from the quick hitting power punches of Zepeda.
INSIDE THE RING: 1-on-1 with World Champ Joshua Franco Part 2
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: 1-on-1 with World Champ Joshua Franco Part 2SAN ANTONIO – In the second part of his exclusive sit-down interview with KSAT 12′s Larry Ramirez, WBA Super Flyweight Champion Joshua Franco discusses the meaning behind his victory over Andrew Moloney, the reaction from his friends and family, and his opinion on a potential rematch. For the first part of this interview, click here. MORE LOCAL BOXING COVERAGE
INSIDE THE RING: Holmes High School grads fighting in July
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: Holmes High School grads fighting in JulySAN ANTONIO Las Vegas has already hosted a pair of San Antonio fighters, one who took home a world title this summer. Kendo Castaneda (17-1, 8 KOs) will face Jose Zepeda (31-2, 25 KOs) on Tuesday at The Bubble at the MGM Grand. I got the call exactly seven days before the fight, said Castaneda to KSAT 12 Sports on Saturday. Zepeda will be the first challenger for Tremendo since he lost his first career fight in February by majority decision. Meanwhile, another Holmes High School alum, Hector Tanajara Jr., has announced his next bout.
INSIDE THE RING: 1-on-1 with World Champ Joshua Franco Part 1
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: 1-on-1 with World Champ Joshua Franco Part 1SAN ANTONIO – Still riding high after his victory over Andrew Moloney on Tuesday night, newly-crowned WBA Super Flyweight Champion Joshua Franco sits down with KSAT 12′s Larry Ramirez to discuss his thoughts and emotions during the fight. Tune in next Sunday, July 5, for the second part of Larry’s exclusive interview with San Antonio’s fifth boxing world champ. MORE BOXING COVERAGE:
INSIDE THE RING: 1-on-1 with World Champ Joshua Franco Part 1
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: 1-on-1 with World Champ Joshua Franco Part 1INSIDE THE RING: 1-on-1 with World Champ Joshua Franco Part 1Published: June 28, 2020, 11:51 pmStill riding high after his victory over Andrew Moloney on Tuesday night, newly-crowned WBA Super Flyweight Champion Joshua Franco sits down with KSAT 12’s Larry Ramirez to discuss his thoughts and emotions during the fight.
World champ Joshua Franco returns home to San Antonio
Read full article: World champ Joshua Franco returns home to San AntonioWorld champ Joshua Franco returns home to San AntonioPublished: June 26, 2020, 5:06 amAfter his victory in Las Vegas on Tuesday night, World Super Flyweight Champion Joshua Franco returned home to San Antonio with his new title belt in hand and discussed his fight with Andrew Moloney in an exclusive interview with KSAT 12.
INSIDE THE RING: San Antonio boxer Joshua Franco becomes new world champ after upset win
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: San Antonio boxer Joshua Franco becomes new world champ after upset winSAN ANTONIO – At the beginning of the month, Joshua Franco said to KSAT 12 Sports he was not leaving the ring without the world title. Franco landed a great left uppercut in the second round. San Antonio’s very own Joshua Franco is a World Champion beating Andrew Moloney by unanimous decision to win the WBA Jr. Bantamweight title! Franco landed 231 of his 789 thrown while Moloney landed 191 of his 663. Moloney landed a majority of his body shots in the early part of the fight but landed only 10 body shots in the last four rounds.
INSIDE THE RING: Kendo Headed to Las Vegas
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: Kendo Headed to Las VegasSAN ANTONIO San Antonio boxer Joshua Franco is getting some company out in Nevada. Kendo has a new sparring partner as he prepares for his Las Vegas fight. Up and coming welterweight Jermone Jones, Jr. (4-0, 4 KOs) has been working with Tremendo the last few weeks around San Antonio. Joshua Franco is my top favorite fighter from San Antonio, Castaneda said. Its an honor to share the publicity, the promotion and be alongside Joshua Franco.A lot of big things in boxing going on, Castaneda added.
INSIDE THE RING: Media Workout for DAZN Fight Saturday
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: Media Workout for DAZN Fight SaturdayMany of the fighters featured on DAZN’s fight night have already made their way to San Antonio. On Wednesday, his opponent, Gary O’Sullivan, as well as some of the fighters on the undercard, met with the various media. I’m going down in weight so I feel like my power will be a little bit stronger for this fight. “I’ve made a lot of sacrifices for this fight.” O’Sullivan said. “It was a great fight and they regard that as the greatest fight to ever take place in the Alamodome.” O’Sullivan said.
INSIDE THE RING: Franco, Tanajara prepare for Alamodome fights
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: Franco, Tanajara prepare for Alamodome fightsINSIDE THE RING: Franco, Tanajara prepare for Alamodome fightsPublished: January 6, 2020, 1:13 amLocal products Joshua Franco and Hector are back in San Antonio after training in California for their upcoming bouts at the Alamodome.
INSIDE THE RING: Barrios honored by mayor, city council
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: Barrios honored by mayor, city councilSAN ANTONIO Mario Barrios has been enjoying the spotlight since becoming the Alamo City's newest world champ. Mayor Ron Nirenberg and members of San Antonio's City Council honored the WBA World Super Lightweight champion at City Hall. "It's awesome, just the amount of support and love I've received from my city as a whole," Barrios told KSAT 12. Members of San Antonio's City Council also shared their personal praise for the undefeated boxer as he was lauded at City Hall. A potential Barrios fight in San Antonio would be the biggest bout the city has seen in years.
INSIDE THE RING: Kendo Adds Another Impressive Win
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: Kendo Adds Another Impressive WinOn Friday night, Castaneda let it all out in the ring. Kendo came out swinging entering the sixth round, landing multiple punches on Martyinouk, making him unbalanced. The fight was immediately stopped and Castaneda won by technical knockout, improving to 17-0 with 8 knockouts. Davies Entertaining is holding Alamo City Fight Night in Illusions Theater on November 9. Selina is looking to win her second straight fight after losing her first professional fight back in April.
INSIDE THE RING: Saturday night and future fights
Read full article: INSIDE THE RING: Saturday night and future fightsHere's the latest boxing news coming out of San Antonio this weekend. Barrios won with a first round knockout thanks to a crush left hook to the ribs of Gallegos. "It was beautiful to see the fans of San Antonio come out and support our boxing event last night. The energy in the crowd last night was unbelievable and I want to thank all the fans in San Antonio for their support," said Arredondo, who is now 6-0 with 3 knockouts. He's been in his hometown of San Antonio recently, training with his sister before her latest bout.
Barrios Ready For Showtime Boxing
Read full article: Barrios Ready For Showtime BoxingBarrios, who is ranked the number one contender in the WBA Super Lightweight division, will face undefeated Mexican boxer Richard Zamora in a 10-round super lightweight bout live on Showtime this Saturday. Barrios enters Saturday's fight with a six knockout streak and a record of 22-0 with 14 knockouts. Barrios, a graduate from Southwest High School, won the WBA Inter-Continental Welterweight title back in late July. Some fighters may be hesitant about the tight turnaround for a big fight but that kind of pressure doesn't phase Barrios. You will see my greatness from me on fight night.Saturday's broadcast starts at 9 p.m. CST and can be seen on Showtime, Showtime Sports YouTube Channel and the Showtime Boxing Facebook page.
Putting the undefeated in primetime: Local boxer continues to impress
Read full article: Putting the undefeated in primetime: Local boxer continues to impressSAN ANTONIO It's not easy to fill the shoes of the legendary "Jesse" James Leija but one local fighter continues to make waves as he travels down that path. Undefeated boxer Mario Barrios is ready to showcase his talents live Saturday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. "A win Saturday is another win for San Antonio," said Barrios Wednesday afternoon. "That means I'll be able to bring a regional title back to San Antonio with a world title in the horizon." Being on this undercard is a huge opportunity to showcase my talents," Barrios said.