Trainer Ismael Salas and Nonito Donaire inside of the Top Rank Gym in Las Vegas (Photo: 1Tarrell #ClockInNotOut)
By Chris Robinson
Fight Week has again descended upon the city of Las Vegas, as the Thomas & Mack Center will host this weekend’s Manny Pacquiao vs. Jessie Vargas pay per view showdown.
Vargas (27-1, 10 KO’s) will defend his WBO welterweight title against Pacquiao (58-6-2, 38 KO’s) in an independent pay per view to be held by promoter Top Rank.
On the undercard, multi-division champion Nonito Donaire (37-3, 24 KO’s) will defend his WBO junior featherweight crown against unbeaten contender Jessie Magdaleno (23-0, 17 KO’s) in an intriguing scrap.
Also on the undercard, newly-crowned WBO featherweight champion Oscar Valdez (20-0, 18 KO’s) will defend his title for the first time against Japan’s Hiroshige Osawa (30-3-4, 19 KO’s).
Standout amateurs Robson Conceicao from Brazil and Teofimo Lopez will also make their pro debuts for Top Rank.
Check below for a closer look inside of the Top Rank Gym, where an open media day was held ahead on Monday afternoon ahead of this weekend’s show. First set of photos courtesy of 1Tarrell of #ClockInNotOut.
Nonito Donaire talks to Top Rank correspondent Crystina Poncher
Poncher also speaks with Donaire’s opponent, unbeaten Jessie Magdaleno
Six-time national amateur champion Teofimo Lopez makes his pro debut for Top Rank on Saturday night
Brazil’s Robson Conceicao makes his pro debut as well
Oscar Valdez looks ready for war and for the first defense of his title
*** Next set of photos courtesy of Hustle Boss’ Chris Robinson.
Oscar Valdez speaks with Top Rank’s Crystina Poncher and other members of the media
Teofimo Lopez Sr. and his son Teofimo
More shots of Nonito Donaire behind-the-scenes
Trainer Ismael Salas
Diego Magdaleno showing support to his younger brother Jessie
Bob Arum speaking with ABS-CBN’s Dyan Castillejo
Chris Robinson can be reached at CRobinson@hustleboss.com