Ronnie Rios returns on Arreola-Mitchell undercard

INDIO, Calif., Sept. 4 - With a perfect 21-0 record, Santa Ana's Ronny Rios is on the fast track to a world featherweight title shot. On Saturday, Sept. 7, he will perform in front of his Southern California faithful at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. in the lead undercard bout before SHOWTIME® takes to the airwaves with a memorable doubleheader featuring two top heavyweight contenders, a Mexican legend, and a rising star looking to make a name for himself.

"I always enjoy fighting at home, especially on a card like this with so many great fighters," said Rios, who will face Mexico City's Jose Angel "Pepe" Beranza in a 10-round featherweight bout. "But every time I'm in there, I'm looking to steal the show and this time will be no different."

The SHOWTIME telecast features a 12-round clash of heavyweight contenders between Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell (26-1-1, 19 KO's) and Chris "The Nightmare" Arreola (34-3, 30 KO's) for the WBC International Heavyweight Championship and a 10-round featherweight meeting between Mexican superstar Rafael Marquez (41-8, 37 KO's) and California prospect Efrain Esquivias (16-2-1, 9 KO's).

Also joining Rios in undercard action will be former WBA Super Bantamweight World Champion Rico "Suavecito" Ramos and undefeated Puerto Rican prospect Carlos Velasquez, who will meet in a 10-round featherweight match.

This action-packed night is complemented by the special appearance of Interim WBC Super Lightweight World Champion Lucas "The Machine" Matthysse, who will meet and greet fans. His appearance comes just one week before his championship bout on "THE ONE: MAYWEATHER VS. CANELO" SHOWTIME PPV® undercard against Unified Super Lightweight World Champion Danny "Swift" Garcia on Sept. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.  

23-year-old Ronny Rios (21-0, 10 KO's) is one of the top prospects to emerge from Southern California in years and with 2013 wins over former world champion Rico Ramos and hard-hitting veteran Leonilo Miranda, he's getting closer to a shot at one of the featherweight champions. Currently ranked in the top ten by the WBC and WBA, a big win on Sept. 7 is just what he needs to propel him even further up the ladder.

A respected spoiler who has ended the unbeaten runs of top prospects Juan Carlos Velasquez and Jesus Rojas over the years, Jose Angel "Pepe" Beranza (36-27-2, 28 KO's) is a veteran's veteran, able to do it all in the ring against all styles. A pro since 1996, the 37-year-old Beranza is sure to have some tricks up his sleeve for the undefeated Rios.