Lucas Matthysse renews promotional contract with Golden Boy

Promoter Oscar De La Hoya seems to have learned his lesson after his split from former Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, as he has been actively seeking commitments from various boxers in order to strengthen his company's foothold on the sport's top talent.

Today, Golden Boy Promotions announced another successful signing, as powerful WBC Silver Super Lightweight Champion Lucas Matthysse (36-3, 34 KOs) renewed his promotional contract with the company.

"As Golden Boy works to put together a 2015 full of huge, fan-friendly fights, Lucas Matthysse is, and will now remain, a core part of our team," said Oscar De La Hoya, Founder and President of Golden Boy Promotions. "Lucas is a strong and powerful fighter, someone the elite of the division have to look out for in the years to come, and we are excited to continue our successful partnership with him."

Most recently, Matthysse faced Roberto Ortiz in a 12-round bout for the WBC Silver Super Lightweight title on Sept. 6 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Matthysse stole the show with a knockout win over Ortiz with a powerful body shot in Round Two.

"I am excited to continue to work with Oscar and Golden Boy Promotions," said Lucas Matthysse. "They are my family. They have supported me and built my career from the beginning and I'm loyal to them as they have been to me.  looking forward to my future and what 2015 has to offer."

Earlier in 2014, Matthysse waged war against John Molina Jr. for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Lightweight title at the Stub Hub Center in Carson, California. In a thrilling toe-to-toe battle, Matthysse was knocked down twice before roaring back to finish Molina in the 11th round.

"We are very happy to continue our relationship with Golden Boy Promotions," said Mario Arano, Manager of Matthysse. "Golden Boy Promotions has exceeded expectations, and we look forward to what 2015 will hold for Lucas under the tremendous support and guidance of Oscar."

Golden Boy holds press conference on Caballero-Guevara bout

Golden Boy Promotions held a press conference in Los Angeles on Thursday to announce the February 27 IBF Bantamweight World Championship fight between titleholder Randy Caballero and challenger Alberto Guevara at Fantasy Springs in Indio.

Another fighter featured on the card is Mexicali's Diego De La Hoya (8-0, 6 KOs), who will be fighting in his first eight-round bout against Los Angeles' Manuel Roman (17-3-3, 6 KOs).  In addition, Chinese heavyweight sensation Taishan (2-0, 2 KOs) will rumble in a four-round fight against Roy McCary (3-2, 3 KOs). Also, newcomer Nick Arce (1-0, 1 KO) and undefeated Oscar "Jaguar" Negrete (7-0, 3 KOs) will be featured against opponents yet to be announced.

Here are some press conference excerpts from Oscar De La Hoya:

On the Caballero-Guevara bout . . .

"I'm really excited to be presenting to you what we call a homecoming. 'The Homecoming' will consist of a champion who traveled all the way to Monte Carlo and brought the world title back to Coachella. Back to where he grew up, where he trained.  Back to all his people that always supported him at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino."

"[Randy] is a champion that has always represented his roots from Nicaragua. That for many years another great champion, my idol, Alexis Arguello represented. For Randy it will be a great honor to fight in front of his public, his hometown."

"[Alberto Guevara] has recent wins that have put him back on that championship level and now he is back challenging for a world title at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino."

"[Randy] has fought 12 times at Fantasy Springs Casino and every single time he comes out more explosive, hungrier than ever, working harder and harder, all for the fans. All to make sure that the fans leave satisfied having witnessed some great fights."

On Taishan . . .

"We believe in Taishan, we believe in his ability. He has talent, speed and tremendous power as demonstrated in his last two fights.  We know how to build champions; therefore we have no doubt in our mind that Taishan can become the heavyweight fighter that everyone dreams to of."

On Diego De La Hoya . . .

"This next fighter has the same last name as me, De La Hoya; yes he is my cousin. But this is a serious fight. This is a real fight. This is a dangerous fight. Diego is all about facing the toughest challenges. He wants to go as fast as he can towards a world title."

On the return of Fight Night Club . . .

"We will be bringing back Fight Night Club live from downtown. That will be an exciting series. It will give us an opportunity to cultivate the next generation of Los Angeles champions."

By Staff of TheDailySportsHerald.com and news services