When Andy Ruiz upset Anthony Joshua earlier this month, stunning the boxing world to become the first heavyweight champion of Mexican descent, it was an inspirational victory for many, including Mexican heavyweight prospect Elvis Garcia (8-0, 6 KOs). Signed by DiBella Entertainment to an exclusive promotional agreement, Garcia is determined to make his mark on the heavyweight division.

"Elvis Garcia is a promising and hard-working heavyweight with great talent. He was born in Mexico, lives in the United States, and has fought in and for both countries, holding dual citizenship," said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. "The heavyweight division is thriving right now and I look forward to working with Elvis to bring him the best opportunities to fulfill his potential."

"I was speechless and emotional when I got the call from Lou DiBella saying that he wanted to sign me to a promotional contract," said Garcia. "Up to this point of my life, I've been on a long tough road, but now I am very excited for my future. I am proud and grateful to be promoted by DiBella Entertainment. I want to thank Lou for the opportunity and I trust that, with his guidance in and out of the ring, we will make a lot of noise in the heavyweight division."

Born in Nayarit, Mexico, Garcia moved with his family to Umatilla, OR, at age four. He had a strong athletic background growing up, excelling in soccer, wrestling, and jiu jitsu. Often competing in USA National Tournaments, Garcia won two gold medals as a Greco-Roman wrestler and three in jiu jitsu. Garcia also dabbled in mixed martial arts, winning three professional MMA matches by submission.

Encouraged by his jiu jitsu instructors, Garcia decided to take up boxing after graduating high school. However, the closest boxing gym to Umatilla was 260 miles away in Tacoma, WA, and Garcia was making eight-hour roundtrips five days a week to train. That dedication resulted in an impressive 85-10 amateur record, with 42 knockouts.

Garcia won the Washington State Golden Gloves tournament twice, as well as a silver and two bronze medals at the USA National Tournament, and was ranked #3 at super heavyweight in the United States amateur program. Following his last bronze medal performance, Garcia was awarded a berth on the Mexican National Boxing Team and moved to Tijuana to be closer to where the team trained. He then won the Mexican National Championships and the Mexican Golden Gloves Tournament twice.

While competing in Mexico, Garcia worked odd jobs to earn money. Rather than use his savings to pay rent, Garcia opted to live out of his car for an entire year, sending his earnings back home to help support his family.

Shortly after his pro debut in May 2017, Garcia was connected with managers who provided him with living expenses in Tijuana and a place to train in San Diego, CA, where he also worked nights as a security guard. Though, he was once again making long daily commutes between his home and gym. In late 2018, Garcia was set up with renowned trainer Joel Diaz in Indio, CA, where he relocated to focus on his boxing career full-time.

"Elvis is the hardest working heavyweight I have ever seen," said Diaz. "He trains like a featherweight. No fighter in my gym is hungrier or has a bigger heart."

The 29-year-old Garcia is coming off two wins thus far in 2019, going the six-round distance for the first time with a unanimous decision against Alejandro Garduno in February then stopping Ramon Olivas in two rounds in April.

 Commonwealth bantamweight champion Lee McGregor plans on proving a point to Scott Allan when they meet on Saturday’s massive #MTKFightNight event at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow.

McGregor (6-0, 5 KOs) puts his belt on the line against countryman Allan (9-3-1) live on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and also live on IFL TV.

The Edinburgh hero is excited to be headlining a huge bill, and wants to make Allan pay for previously claiming McGregor would avoid the Scottish bantamweights.

McGregor said: “It’s very pleasing and it’s a dream come true of mine to headline my own show live on ESPN+ in America. I’m hoping to put in a big performance and show the wider audience how far I can go.

“I have a point to prove and a statement to make as Scott Allan was actually quoted that I’d avoid all of the Scottish bantamweights, so I’m glad he’s the first one in my way. After this I’ll then be moving onto the next one and I’m ready to fight anyone put in front of me.

“I’m expecting a hard fight against a tough strong man in Allan, who will be coming to win which will bring the best out in me.

“I’m fully focused on this fight of course but the fight everyone wants to see is me against Kash Farooq for the Commonwealth and British titles. We both have defences then the fight most definitely has to happen after that.”

McGregor vs. Allan on Saturday is part of a massive #MTKFightNight event in Glasgow, that also features Kieran Smith defending his WBC International title against Ivan Montero, Lewis Benson taking on Renald Garrido, recent world title challenger Muhammad Waseem facing John Chuwa, plus many more.

Ivan Montero has fired a warning at opponent Kieran Smith ahead of their battle on Saturday’s huge #MTKFightNight event at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow.

Montero (21-3, 9 KOs) will be looking to cause the upset when he faces unbeaten Smith (14-0, 7 KOs) for his WBC International Silver super-welterweight title, live on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and also live on iFL TV.

The Mexican star has previously shared the ring with two former world title challengers, and he’s heading to Glasgow with the intention of ripping the title away from Smith.

Montero said: “I have prepared myself very well for this great opportunity that will allow me to recover my career and achieve something big in the sport. I’m not coming to Glasgow to see what happens but to make it happen and I will win this fight.

“I know the UK has a great level of boxing and great fighters, I don’t know the arena but I’m excited to see it and take part in such a big stage.

“He is a good fighter, with good technique and we will adapt to give everyone a very good fight. His southpaw stance is what could be complicated but we worked hard for it and I’m well prepared.

“Without a doubt this fight will be a big step to put my name into the world rankings and expect bigger fights to come.

“I hope the crowd is pleased with my performance. The UK is a boxing country and I’m sure they can recognise and respect a good performance when they see it.

“I’ve heard only great things about MTK Global and I’m very excited that they have given me this opportunity to fight at one of their events.”

 Rising star Jack Turner has vowed to be 10 times better than he was in his professional debut when he returns to the ring on #MTKFightNight’s huge event at the Emirates Arena on Saturday.

Turner (1-0) is part of the massive card from Glasgow, live on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank, and also live on iFL TV. It comes just three months after his debut at the same venue in March, and he’s excited to show how much he’s already learned since then.

Turner said: “I’m extremely excited to be back in action at the Emirates Arena again just three months after my debut. I want to be as active as possible and I didn’t have a lot of time out of the gym after my fight.

“I was right back in there after a few days as I had itchy knuckles. That’s the best way to be as consistency is key. I’m looking to keep pushing forward and keep myself in tip top shape.

“I know my capabilities and know what I can do. I can put on a show and I want to display this this weekend. I had lot on my mind in my debut after 14 months out of the ring, but this camp has been strictly focused on the fight.

“I’ve not had any other worries outside of the ring and I’m feeling 10 times better. For my debut I was a bit anxious to impress and was going into unknown water and territory, so now that that’s out the way I’ll be a lot calmer.

“I’ve got a better understanding for the professional game now and I know what I’m going to do, so I’ll be producing a great performance on Saturday.”