All posts by FNU47

ANTHONY DIRRELL VS. AVNI YILDIRIM FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS – Former World Champion Dirrell & 168-Pound Contender Yildirim Get Heated at Press Conference Before They Fight For Vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship This Saturday


Former World Champion Dirrell & 168-Pound Contender Yildirim Get Heated at Press Conference Before They Fight For Vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship This Saturday

Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Main Event from the Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota – 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Click HERE for Photos from Andrew Dobin/Minneapolis Armory

MINNEAPOLIS (February 21, 2019) – Former champion Anthony Dirrell and 168-pound contender Avni Yildirim exchanged words at a heated final press conference on Thursday before they battle this Saturday for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes from the Armory in Minneapolis.
 
The press conference also featured Minneapolis-native Jamal James and Janer Gonzalez, who battle in a welterweight attraction as part of televised coverage beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now, and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/and through Ticketmaster.
 
Dirrell and Yildirim had to be separated during their portion of the press conference, as both fighters and their teams exchanged words ahead of Saturday’s showdown. Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from the Armory:
 
ANTHONY DIRRELL
 
“At the end of the day, he’s getting knocked out. That’s it.
 
“He doesn’t have what it takes. I’m just a higher level fighter than him. I’m coming to take him out.
 
“I’m thankful to my team for helping me get another shot at the championship. I’ve already proven everything I have to in this sport. Saturday night, I’m taking back what’s mine.”
 
AVNI YILDIRIM
 
“I’m very happy to be here. Saturday, I’m ready to do my talking. I’m going to show everyone what happens in the ring.
 
“Everybody knows that I’m coming to win that world title. This is my time on Saturday night. I will leave the ring with that belt.”
 
JAMAL JAMES
 
“All the work has already been put in. Now it’s time to give everyone a show. We’ve had a great camp. I’ve been training hard with my guys, including some work down in Miami. Now we’re ready to show the action on Saturday night.
 
“At this point in my career, every fight is a championship fight, because I’m so close to that level. If you slip up once, then you fall back. We have to stay ready.
 
“We’ve been training hard. There’s been a lot of work on technique and work on being prepared for anything that comes in the ring. In my mind, I train for him like he’s the ultimate opponent.
 
“I’m a lot more comfortable in my hometown after fighting here a lot recently. Sometimes you want to perform so well in front of all your people that you press, but now I’m a lot more calm. I’m not overlooking this fight at all, but I’m gunning for that title fight.”
 
JANER GONZALEZ
 
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity to be in this great fight. My team has me prepared for this fight and has given me great support throughout training camp.
 
“I’m 100 percent ready. I’m going to bring this fight and leave it all in the ring for my home country of Colombia.
 
“I had been preparing in Colombia with Breidis Prescott and it’s gotten me in top condition for the fight. I’m ready to do it in the ring.
 
“I know James is fighting at home but they can’t help him in the ring. It’s just me and him and I plan on breaking him down and getting the win.”
 
LEON MARGULES, President of Warriors Boxing
 
“It’s great to be back at the Armory in Minneapolis. This is our third PBC event here and it’s just a terrific venue with an enthusiastic and great crowd for boxing.
 
“This is a fantastic card headlined by a world championship fight. This is going to be a terrific fight to prove who is the best super middleweight. You don’t want to miss a high level fight like this one on Saturday night.
 
“Everybody in Minnesota knows Jamal James, as he’s become one of the stars of the boxing community here. I believe someday he’s going to be a world champion.”
 
 
#          #          #
 
ABOUT DIRRELL VS. YILDIRIM
Dirrell vs. Yildirim will see former super middleweight world champion Anthony Dirrell face top contender Avni Yildirim for the vacant WBC Super Middleweight World Championship in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes on Saturday, February 23 from The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
 
Coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and features welterweight championship contender Jamal James fighting in his hometown for a third straight time against Janer González in a special 10-round attraction in the co-feature.
 
Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1, FS2 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.
 
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comht
tp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage
 and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.

JAMES DEGALE vs. CHRIS EUBANK JR. FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS FOR SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT SHOWDOWN THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM THE O2 IN LONDON


“It’s retirement time.  Whoever loses this fight is finished.” – DeGale


 

“There’s nothing he can do in that ring that I can’t handle.  I’m going to box his head off.” – Eubank


 
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Begins Live At 3:45 p.m. ET/12:45 p.m. PT



Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Ian Walton/SHOWTIME


 


 
LONDON – February 21, 2019 – Former two-time super middleweight champion James DeGale and former world title challenger Chris Eubank Jr. faced off at the heated final press conference on Thursday for their 12-round showdown that headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING this Saturday, February 23 live on SHOWTIME (3:45 p.m. ET/12:45 p.m. PT) from The O2 in London.


 
DeGale (25-2-1, 15 KOs) and Eubank (27-2, 21 KOs) will finally settle their long-running score when the two outspoken rivals meet in London. In the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING co-feature bout, Olympic Silver Medalist and top prospect Joe Joyce (7-0, 7 KOs) will measure against former WBC Champion Bermane Stiverne (25-3-1, 21 KOs) in a 12-round heavyweight clash.


 
Former two-division world champion, Chris Eubank Sr., was in attendance and not shy about stating this is not going to be an easy fight for his son. “This is a 50/50 fight and for the first time I am petrified of what the outcome can be.  I am petrified that Junior may not win this fight,” he said.


 
The event is promoted by Poxon Sports and presented by Premier Boxing Champions. Joyce-Stiverne is promoted in association with Ringstar Sports and Don King Productions. The doubleheader will air live in the U.S. exclusively on SHOWTIME and on ITV Box Office in the U.K.


 
Veteran broadcaster Brian Custer will host the doubleheader from London with combat sportscaster Mauro Ranallo calling the action ringside alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein.  Three Hall of Famers will round out the telecast team – Emmy® award winning reporter Jim Gray, boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial ringside scorer, and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. 


 
Here’s what the fighters and their respective camps had to say during Thursday’s press conference at Intercontinental at The O2: 


 
JAMES DEGALE:

“I vacated my title for fights like this.  Chris Eubank has been calling my name for a long time and finally I get a chance to punch him in his face.


 
“I have no respect for him.  None.  This guy is a diluted idiot.  And on Saturday night I can’t wait to deal with him.  I’m going to come and give it to him properly.  He can’t box.  We’ve all heard this before. 


 
“This is the biggest fight of his career.  It’s retirement time.  Whoever loses this fight is finished.  It’s do or die on Saturday…His retirement fight is here.  It’s his last fight, I promise you that.


 
“I’m proven.  I’ve been there, done that.  I’ve won everything.  He’s done nothing.  And I’m going to retire him.


 
“Eubank is a tough fighter, he’s strong.  He has a lot of good attributes, but I’m too good for him.  To mix it up and go to the very top you need more than strength and toughness.  Every time he’s stepped up, he’s lost. 


 
“The fear of losing is because I know what’s on the line.  This is do or die.  If I can’t beat him, if I can’t beat Chris Eubank Jr., I’m done. 


 
“A lot of people think I’ve seen better days.  A lot of people think I’m on the decline.  I’ve had issues in the past, but I can honestly say I’m fully fit.  I’m in the best shape I’ve been for a long, long time, physical and mentally.  When I feel like I feel no one can beat me.


 
“If I can’t beat Chris that means I’m shot, that means I’m over the hill.”


 
CHRIS EUBANK JR.:

“This guy is a bum.  He talks a good game.  He’s going to have a good go, but at the end of the day I’m going to be too much for him. 


 
“We are both at a stage where we can’t lose.  We are both fighting for our careers.  He knows he can’t handle me.  He’s asking himself, ‘Can I survive?’  And the answer is absolutely not.


 
“There’s nothing he can do in that ring that I can’t handle.  I’m going to box his head off. 


 
“I’ve got a full time trainer now.  For the first time in my career, I have a trainer day in and day out focusing on strategy to prepare me for what James is – a slick southpaw.  That’s why I’m so confident.  If he wants to run, we have the gameplan.  If he wants to stand and swing, we have the gameplan.  We have a plan for everything. 


 
“What matters is that James’ career is over in a few days.  I sent him a message after he lost to [George] Groves saying he needs to keep up because we are going to fight one day.  And now that we’re finally here I look into his eyes and I don’t see a confident guy. 


 
“It’s my time.  I’m expecting the best he’s ever been and that’s still not going to be enough. 


 
“I’m a world-level fighter.  Anyone in the boxing game knows that.  This is my opportunity to prove that once and for all to set the record straight and prove I’m the real deal.  I know this is a defining fight in my career.  It is do or die and I’m ready for that. 


 
“James knows what’s coming.  At the end of the day, his last performances haven’t been up to par, but i don’t think he respected his [past] opponents.  He respects me, and I respect him and that’s why this is a real fight.


 
“I’ve been in the game for a long time but this is just the beginning of a long journey for me.  This is my biggest fight.  I have to win.  If I win, I’m back on the world stage.  Beating James DeGale sets me up for a world title which is the whole reason I started in this game.”


 

 
JIM MCDONNELL:

“There are levels to boxing.  Chris was a good prospect coming through but he’s not on the same level as James.  He’ll find out what it takes to be a world champion.  James DeGale is levels above Chris Jr.


 
“Chris may have all the drive he needs but he doesn’t have the skills to beat James DeGale. 


 
“I know James is not losing.  James DeGale is probably the best British fighter I’ve seen in my country.”


 

 
CHRIS EUBANK SR.:

“I’ve seen the pinnacle of James and it’s intoxicating. With Chris, not everything I’ve said has been applied.  It may have been heard, but not applied.  What I said works. I wouldn’t have 19 championship wins if it didn’t. 


 
“I’m not convinced [Chris will win] because James DeGale has pedigree.  Being an [Olympic] Gold Medalist and former world champion is real.  I respect the man’s abilities.  Junior hasn’t. 


 
“My son looks at the physical aspect of boxing and, from a physical point of view, I don’t think there is anyone who can stand with him.  But boxing isn’t just physical – it’s also spiritual, and that’s where Junior lacks.  I don’t know whether he has that. 


 
“This is a 50/50 fight and for the first time I am petrified of what the outcome can be.  I am petrified that Junior may not win this fight. 


 
“This is the wisdom of someone who has been here.  You never underestimate your opponent based on past performances.  Anyone who thinks this guy is on a slide because of past performances is making a mistake. 


 
“From a physical aspect, Junior has the upper hand.  From a spiritual aspect and pedigree aspect, James has the upper hand, and that’s why this is a 50/50 fight.


 
“I do know Chris has learned and let’s see what is produced.  It can be a brilliant fight.”


 

 
PAULIE MALIGNAGGI:

“I like our chances.  I know the guy that I have been in camp with.  The things I’ve seen, I like. They are much more positive this time around. 


 
“You can’t underestimate a guy like Eubank.  He always comes to win.  But, regardless of the gameplan, there is a certain mentality and my guy has it.  He’s a Gold Medalist and he knows what mentality to bring on Saturday.


 
“James has won two major world titles, an Olympic Gold Medal.  Chris has had some good wins but when he went to that elite level, he lost.  Chris is a good fighter but he’s not beaten this level of opposition.”


 
# # #


 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,
 
subscribe to the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

EROS CORREA RETURNS TO THE RING THIS SATURDAY IN MEXICO


SAN JOSE, CA (February 21, 2019) – Undefeated super bantamweight prospect and rising star, Eros Correa (5-0, 5 KOs), returns to the ring this Saturday in Tijuana, Mexico. The 4-round bout is being promoted by GM3 Boxing Promotions and Gonzalez Boxing Promotions, and will take place at Cheer’s Bar, in Tijuana.  Correa will face Jose Pech, a veteran of over 30 fights.

 
“I’m looking forward to this fight,” said Eros Correa, who’s guided by Cali Boxing Management. “My last fight in Tijuana was my toughest opponent to date so I’m not looking past Pech. Fighting in Mexico has been great for my career.  With each fight I feel I’m getting better and better. I’m gaining a lot of experience and my confidence is at an all time high. I’m also starting to build a fan base out there. I want to thank my team for all their hard work.  This Saturday I’ll be going for another knockout.”
 
Since signing with Cali Boxing Management last summer, Correa has been fighting on a consistent basis, going undefeated in four fights, all by knockout.  This will be Correa’s second fight of 2019.  In his last bout he scored a fourth round TKO.
 
“We are happy with Eros’ progress and we feel he’s developing into a great fighter, one that we believe will make some serious noise in the super bantamweight division,” said Andrew Bocanegra, of Cali Boxing Management. “After this bout we have plans to have him fight in the Bay Area, where all his family and friends will be in attendance.  He’s an incredibly talented fighter to say the least.”
 
“Eros’ amateur pedigree being an alternate on the 2012 Olympic team is evident and its transitioning in the pros,” said Jessie Sanchez, of Cali Boxing Management. “Fighting in Mexico has been tremendous for his development.”

Former World Champions Collide as Peter Quillin Takes on Minnesota-Native Caleb Truax in Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Main Event Saturday, April 13 from The Armory in Minneapolis

Top Contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko Battles Jack Culcay in Middleweight Title Eliminator & Rising Prospect Chris Colbert Steps Into the Ring in Action Beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT

Tickets on Sale Saturday, February 23!

MINNEAPOLIS (February 21, 2019) – Former world champions will go toe-to-toe as Peter “Kid Chocolate” Quillin faces Minnesota-native Caleb “Golden” Truax in a 12-round IBF super middleweight title eliminator that headlines Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes Saturday, April 13 from The Armory in Minneapolis.

Televised coverage begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and will feature top middleweight contender Sergiy Derevyanchenko taking on Jack Culcay in a 12-round IBF title eliminator, plus unbeaten rising prospect Chris Colbert will compete in an undercard attraction.

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, go on sale Saturday, February 23, and can be purchased at the Armory at http://ArmoryMN.com/ and through Ticketmaster.

“Quillin vs. Truax is a true 50-50 matchup of former world champions looking to put themselves in position to grab another world title,” said Leon Margules, President of Warriors Boxing. “Truax will have the hometown crowd in Minnesota behind him, but Quillin has fought at the highest level against top competition for years. It has all the makings of a dramatic fight, and combined with the Derevyanchenko vs. Culcay middleweight eliminator, it’s going to make for an action packed night at the Armory and on FS1 and FOX Deportes.”

“Both of these are fantastic matchups because there are championship implications on the line,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “That adds to the motivation for each of the guys stepping into the ring. For Qullin and Truax, they both know what it means to be a world champion and this is their opportunity to return to that status. There is always a lot of energy in the Armory for these types of matches and that really carries over to the FS1 and FOX Deportes broadcast for those watching at home. It promises to be a very entertaining evening for all boxing fans.” 

A former middleweight champion, Quillin (34-1-1, 23 KOs) delivered in his second bout at super middleweight, defeating J’Leon Love last August by unanimous decision. Born in Chicago and raised Michigan, Quillin has called Brooklyn, N.Y. home throughout a pro career that saw him win a world title against Hassan N’Dam in 2012 and defend it three times. His only loss came to Daniel Jacobs in 2015 after battling former champion Andy Lee to a draw earlier that year.

“I’m approaching this fight very seriously because I know Truax is a durable guy who knows how to fight,” said Quillin. “He comes from a background where people don’t give him credit for what he’s done, and those are the most dangerous guys. I’m no stranger to fighting in my opponent’s backyard. My job is to go into the ring and go home with the win. I’m looking to walk away with some of his fans on my side by winning the fight and putting on a great performance.”

Fighting out of Osseo, Minnesota, Truax (30-4-2, 19 KOs) pulled off one of 2017’s biggest upsets when he traveled to London to defeat James DeGale and become a 168-pound world champion. The 35-year-old lost a hard-fought rematch to DeGale in 2018 and most recently scored a third-round stoppage of Fabiano Soares at the Armory in August.

“Peter Quillin is someone I’ve wanted to fight since I first sparred with him in 2012,” said Truax. “I walked away from that experience confident that I could get the job done if we were ever matched together. The fact that it’s taking place at home in Minnesota is even better because my fans are going to give me a huge advantage. My goal is to get back into title contention and win my second world title.”

A 2008 Olympian for his native Ukraine, Derevyanchenko (12-1, 10 KOs) has made his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. since turning pro in July 2014. The 33-year-old was unbeaten in his first 12 fights, earning a world title fight with a final-round stoppage of Tureano Johnson in 2017. He most recently dropped a narrow split-decision to Daniel Jacobs in a middleweight title fight in October.

Culcay (25-3, 13 KOs) is originally from Ecuador, spent much of his career fighting out of Germany, and now lives in Florida. He enters this bout on a three-fight winning streak after picking up a trio of wins in 2018. He had previously held an interim 154-pound titles before losing close decisions against Demetrius Andrade and Maciej Sulecki.

Representing his hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y., Colbert (10-0, 3 KOs) has begun to make a name for himself showing off tremendous skills across his first 10 pro victories. The 22-year-old most recently dominated Josh Hernandez on FS1 in January and he will return to fight at The Armory for the second time after defeating then unbeaten Austin Dulay on FS1 last April.

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, available in English or Spanish through the FOX, FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSports.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku.

For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @PBConFOX, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @WarriorsBoxingProm, @TGBPromotions, and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampionswww.facebook.com/foxsports & www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. p

Hometown favorite Kendrick Ball, Jr. headlining at home to establish his place in Worcester’s rich boxing history


WORCESTER, Mass. (February 21, 2019) – Worcester boxer Kendrick “Peppa” Ball, Jr. is living the dream and closing in on some of his goals in the ring.
 
Ball (11-1-2, 8 KOs), fighting out of his native Worcester, MA, will headline his first show and fight for his first title belt, when he headlines “Every Man For Himself”, the inaugural event presented by Shearns Boxing Promotions (SBP), on Friday night, March 15, at The Palladium in Worcester. This will be the first time Ball headlines a show, in addition to fighting for his first title, in the six-round main event for the vacant New England middleweight title,
 
The 26-year-old Ball, promoted by CES Boxing, faces upset-minded Danny “Feel Good Hollywood” Rosenberger (4-6-4, 1 KO), of Youngstown, Ohio.

“This fight is so important for me because I’ve always wanted to headline in my hometown and fight for a title,” the 6′ 3″ Ball said. “Another goal of mine, before I started boxing, was to fight on a card with my cousin, Owen Minor, who will be making his pro debut. He’s a big puncher and people can expect a big KO from him.
 
“I’m an exciting fighter who likes to get knockouts. Expect something big to happen March 15th. I’m working on boxing more, using my jab a lot, to improve. I don’t know a lot about my opponent, but I understand he likes to move a lot.”
 
“Shearns Boxing is happy to have Kendrick Ball, Jr. headline our Mar. 15th card,” SBP promoter Chuck Shearns commented. “He’s a good kid whose family is rooted in Worcester boxing. There definitely is a rise in the number of quality fighters coming out of Worcester. This will probably be our last chance to watch Kendrick Jr. fighting in Worcester before his promoter, CES Boxing, has him fighting on the national scene.”
 
Ball, who started boxing at 13, experienced an unusual start to his boxing career, losing his first nine amateur bouts, before becoming a decorated boxer who turned pro in 2016.
 
“I wasn’t really ready, my head wasn’t into boxing when I started,” Ball explained. “I didn’t want to quit, and that experience taught me to never to give up. I knew that I was good – I had success sparring with pros – but it wasn’t there when I fought. I kept punching and grew into my own.”
 
Ball captured gold medals at three Western Golden Gloves Championships, plus top honors at the Rocky Marciano Tournament, also becoming a prestigious USA New England champion.    
 
Trained by his father, Ken Ball, Sr., who owns and operates Camp Get Right gym in Worcester, Ball Sr. & Jr. have succeeded when many father-son relationships in boxing have often failed.
  

“We have a tight bond and we’ve been doing this since he was little,” Ball Sr. reported. “It’s worked out well. I try to separate father-son and make it trainer-boxer, but that’s hard at times.”
 
His son added, “It’s all good. Sometimes it’s difficult and becomes a little hard, but only because he’s pushing me. He’s my trainer, mostly, during fights.”
 
Father and son agree that there is a boxing resurgence in Worcester, which has a rich history dating back a century, but it also went through a slow period. Ball is part of a gifted quartet that’s making noise today in boxing, joining Khiary GrayJermaine Ortiz and Irvin Gonzalez.
 
“Over the last three years,” Ball St. remarked, “boxing has been hot again in Worcester. There are a lot of talented, young boxers in Worcester. Once Khiary turned pro, that triggered a lot of boxers turning pro.”
 
“We’re all close,” Ball Jr. concluded. “We’ve trained together and support each other.”
 
Worcester boxing is on the rise and more talent is turning pro, starting Mar. 15th when Ball’s cousin, Minor, makes his long-awaited pro debut in a four-rounder versus Corey Morley (0-2-1), of Philadelphia.  
 
Undefeated Providence light heavyweight Angel Camacho, Jr. (15-0, 5 KOs) returns to the ring after a three-year absence in a six-round bout, co-featured event against Dallas challenger Taronze Washington (17-26, 9 KOs).
 
Undefeated Southbridge, MA welterweight Wilfredo “El Sucaro” Pagan (5-0, 3 KOs) takes on upset-minded Peruvian Carlos Galindo (1-7), fighting out of Woburn, MA, in a four-round clash.
 
Also fighting on the undercard, all in four-round fights, are Springfield, MA lightweightCalixto Cruz (1-0) vs. TBA, Worcester cruiserweight Jake Paradise (0-2) vs. Francisco Artri Neto (0-2), of Woburn, MA, New Britain, CT Nathan Martinez (2-0) vs. TBA, and Bridgeport, CT junior lightweight Carlos Marrero III (0-2-1) vs. Worcester’s Edwin Rosado (1-8-1, 1 KO).
 
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
 
General admission tickets are priced at $25.00 and available to purchase online atthepalladium.net. Boxers on the card have $50.00 and $25.00 tickets to sell.
 
Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first fight at 7 p.m. ET.
 
Event sponsors include Lundgren Collision, Tecate, Grill 57, Worcester Railers, Worcester Red Sox, Palley Advertising, and Allstate Insurance.
 
 
INFORMATION:
 
Facebook.com/ShearnsBoxingPromotions
 
Twitter: @ShearnsBoxing

BELLATOR SIGNS ‘PITBULL’ BROTHERS TO MULTI-YEAR, MULTI-FIGHT CONTRACT EXTENSIONS


LOS ANGELES – Bellator is proud to announce that both Patricio and Patricky Freire, better known to fans as the infamous “Pitbull Brothers,” will continue to compete inside the Bellator cage after signing exclusive multi-year, multi-fight extensions to remain with the promotion.

 

Fighting out of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, the brothers have become synonymous with Bellator throughout their prolific careers. Having held titles and established themselves among the elite, there are very few names that appear in the Bellator record books more often than current featherweight champ Patricio Pitbull (28-4) and his older brother Patricky Pitbull (21-8).


 

“When I think about the talent on the Bellator roster, the Pitbull brothers are two of the fighters that immediately come to mind,” said Bellator President Scott Coker. “They started early on in their careers here, have climbed to the top of their respective divisions and have come to represent what this promotion is all about. I’m thrilled that we’ll continue to see them compete inside the Bellator cage for our fans around the world for many years to come!”

 

“There are a lot of people on the Bellator roster I want to put my hands on – the first on the list, I’m fighting on May 11th, so renewing made perfect sense for me,” said Patricio. “I’m happy with the agreement and the plans for the future. Of all the fighters currently active on the promotion, I’m with Bellator the longest and the most successful. I plan to set that bar even higher. For years, I said ‘I’d become the number one in the world here.’ If anyone still has any doubt, keep an eye on the next chapters.”

 

Patricky added, “Bellator is growing and so am I. I’m in the best moment of my career and the same can be said of the promotion with the quality of shows, the new TV deals and names under the roster. I’ve set the goal of becoming world champion and setting records. I already am the fighter with most finishes and fights in the organization and I don’t plan to let anyone catch up with me. I have grudges to settle and names to add to my belt. If things line up well, I’m looking at making noise in three weight classes in the near future, so expect the best of me! I’m glad to have reached a new agreement with Bellator and very excited for the new things to come.”

 

A two-time featherweight champion, Patricio “Pitbull” has competed for the promotion 20 times – winning 16 of those outings – and has successfully defended his belt three times since reclaiming the championship at Bellator 178 against Daniel Straus. Most recently, Patricio defeated Emmanuel Sanchez, edging out his opponent via unanimous decision at Bellator 209 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Having earned a finish in 20 of his 28 wins as a professional, the reigning champion always brings an exciting style and fans can certainly expect more fireworks as he continues his run in Bellator. Patricio will now move up in weight to challenge current champ Michael Chandler for his lightweight crown in a long-awaited grudge match at Bellator’s return to Allstate Arena in Chicago on May 11.

 

A perennial lightweight contender since joining Bellator in 2011 at Bellator 36, the 33-year-old Patricky made an immediate impact by emphatically knocking out two true veterans of the sport and eventually competing in two tournament finals. Additionally, he holds the Bellator record for most fights with 21 and knockout wins with 10, including highlight-reel finishes over Ryan Couture and David Rickels. However, his most impressive run has come as of late, stringing together seven wins in eight bouts and winning his last five against Josh ThomsonBenson HendersonDerek CamposRoger Huerta and most recently against Ryan Scope at Bellator Newcastle on Feb. 9.

 

Please visit www.Bellator.com for more information.

 


ERISLANDY LARA TRAINING CAMP QUOTES & PHOTOS


World Champion Lara Talks Title Showdown, Sparring Top Prospects, 2018 Fight of the Year Against Jarrett Hurd & More Before Taking on WBA Super Welterweight Champion Brian Castaño Saturday, March 2 Live on SHOWTIME®from
Barclays Center in Brooklyn

Click HERE for Photos from Hosanna Rull/Team Lara



HOUSTON (February 20, 2019) – Former super welterweight world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara will look to reclaim a piece of the 154-pound crown when he challenges WBA champion Brian Castaño on Saturday, March 2 live on SHOWTIME from Barclays Center, the home of BROOKLYN BOXING™, and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
 
“Brian Castaño is coming into this fight with an undefeated record, but it’s nothing I haven’t seen before,” said Lara. “This will be my third fight in a row versus an undefeated fighter. I’m taking this very seriously. Stylistically, I feel I’m the superior fighter, but he’s a very strong champion. I will be prepared to take back a title in this great division, then look to the biggest fights that are out there.”
 
One of the big fights that could be out there for Lara is a rematch with unified 154-pound champion Jarrett Hurd. Lara dropped a split-decision to Hurd in a unification showdown on SHOWTIME that was the consensus 2018 “Fight of the Year”, having been recognized by the BWAA, ESPN and Sporting News, amongst others.
 
“The fight against Hurd was a great fight for the fans, but I felt I won seven or eight rounds that night,” said Lara. “To be on the wrong end of another close decision left a bad taste in my mouth. That fight being recognized as ‘Fight of the Year’ shows my versatility as a fighter. I was on the ballot before with Alfredo Angulo, so it was good to get recognized for being a warrior, not only a craftsman. I will always give the fans my all and come March 2, it will be no different.”
 
Lara is continuing to to work with longtime trainer Ronnie Shields in Houston, where Lara has prepared for his matchup with sparring that includes going up against top prospects in 18-year-old Joey Spencer and 24-year-old Eimantas Stanionis.
 
“Ronnie and I are working great together, and we have an excellent game plan in place.,” said Lara. “This is one of the better camps I’ve had the last few years. Having young fighters like Spencer and Stanionis in camp with me is refreshing because I know they are hungry.  When we spar, I feed off their energy, because I know they are trying to take take their game to the next level, which makes me better. This is a demanding sport and they are definitely pushing me.”
 
March 2 also gives Lara a chance to share the stage with another one of Cuba’s best fighters, as Luis Ortiz is set to take on Christian Hammer in the co-main event, making the night a celebration of Cuban boxing.
 
“Luis Ortiz and I go way back and I’m happy that my brother is fighting on the same card as me,” said Lara. “We’ve gone through a lot since leaving Cuba to pursue our dreams of becoming world champions here in the U.S. Like myself, I know he’s going to be ready to entertain the fans on fight night and make this a memorable night for Cuban boxing!”
 
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions in association with DiBella Entertainment, are on sale now and can be purchased at ticketmaster.combarclayscenter.com, or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center. Group discounts are available by calling 844-BKLYN-GP.


#          #          #

Unbeaten Bantamweight Damien Vazquez Takes on Former Champion Juan Carlos Payano & Rising Welterweight Prospect & 2016 Lithuanian Olympian Eimantas Stanionis Battles Once-Beaten Sammy Figueroa Saturday, March 9 in Premier Boxing Champions Prelims on FS1


Beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT From
Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.

WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter Makes First
Title Defense Against Mandatory Challenger Yordenis Ugas in
Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes Main Event

CARSON, Calif. (February 19, 2019) – Undefeated bantamweight prospect Damien Vazquez battles former world champion Juan Carlos Payano in an eight or 10-round attraction while unbeaten welterweight prospect and 2016 Lithuanian OlympianEimantas Stanionis will face once-beaten Sammy Figueroa in an eight-round fight on Premier Boxing Champions Prelims on FS1 Saturday, March 9 live from Dignity Health Sports Park, formerly StubHub Center, in Carson, California.
 
Prelims begin at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT and lead into a PBC on FOX and FOX Deportes show that’s headlined by WBC Welterweight World Champion Shawn Porter making his first title defense in primetime against mandatory challengerYordenis Ugas.
 
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased at AXS.com.
 
Born in Colorado and training in Las Vegas, Vazquez (14-0, 7 KOs) is the younger brother of former three-time champion Israel Vazquez. The 21-year-old has fought professionally since 2013 and picked up two wins in 2018. He most recently won his first 10-round fight with a unanimous decision over then unbeaten Luis Gollindano last April.
 
Payano (20-2, 9 KOs) became a world champion in 2014 when he defeated Anselmo Moreno by technical decision before defending and then losing the title in a pair of exciting fights against Rau’shee Warren. Originally from the Dominican Republic, but training in Miami, Payano put together three-straight victories before losing a title challenge to unbeaten Naoya Inoue last October.
 
After representing his native Lithuania at the 2016 Olympics, Stanionis (7-0, 5 KOs) relocated to Southern California where he has trained while compiling his unbeaten record. The 24-year-old took a step up in competition last time out and dominated tough veteran Levan Ghvamichava to earn an eight-round unanimous decision last August on FS1.
 
The 28-year-old Figueroa (11-1, 4 KOs) returns to action for the first time since defeating Ismay Eynullayev in March 2017. The Puerto Rican fighter had picked up wins over previously unbeaten foes Javontae Starks and Fernando Paliza before suffering his only defeat to Miguel Cruz in May 2016.
 
#          #          #
 

JOE JOYCE vs. BERMANE STIVERNE FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES AND PHOTOS FOR HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN THIS SATURDAY LIVE ON SHOWTIME® FROM THE O2 IN LONDON


Joyce And Stiverne Erupt Over 2017 Sparring Session At Final Press Conference In London For Saturday’s Co-Feature To James DeGale vs. Chris Eubank Jr.


 
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® Begins Live At 3:45 p.m. ET/12:45 p.m. PT




Click HERE For Photos; Credit: Ian Walton/SHOWTIME


 
LONDON – February 20, 2019 – Undefeated heavyweight Joe Joyce and former heavyweight world champion Bermane Stiverne sounded off at the final press conference on Wednesday for their 12-round showdown that opens a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING doubleheader this Saturday live on SHOWTIME (3:45 p.m. ET/12:45 p.m. PT) from The O2 in London.


 
Joyce (7-0, 7 KOs), Stiverne (25-3-1, 21 KOs) and their respective camps had to be separated as they debated the truth surrounding a 2017 sparring session in Las Vegas.  Stiverne was preparing for his November 2017 rematch with WBC Heavyweight World Champion Deontay Wilder while Joyce was readying for his professional debut after a decorated amateur career.  Both Joyce and Stiverne promised to erase any doubt surrounding the sparring session this Saturday.   


 
A 2016 Olympic Silver Medalist, Joyce aims to continue his perfect knockout streak as a professional and inch closer to a world title shot.  A former WBC Heavyweight World Champion, Stiverne hopes to prove he’s still a force in the stacked heavyweight division following a disappointing 2017 loss to Wilder. 


 
In the main event of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, former two-time super middleweight world champion James DeGale will face-off with former world title challenger and British rival Chris Eubank Jr. in a 12-round grudge match.  Veteran broadcaster Brian Custer will host the doubleheader from London with versatile combat sportscaster Mauro Ranallo calling the action ringside alongside Hall of Fame analyst Al Bernstein.  Three Hall of Famers will round out the telecast team – Emmy® award winning reporter Jim Gray, boxing historian Steve Farhood as unofficial ringside scorer, and world-renowned ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr. 


 
Here’s what the fighters and their camps had to say during Wednesday’s press conference at Intercontinental at The O2. 


 
JOE JOYCE:

“I had a really good camp in Big Bear and I’m ready to go and put a dent on Stiverne on Saturday night. 


 
“Bermane Stiverne, all respect to him, he’s a former WBC Champion.  I have a lot of respect for him for taking this fight.  It’s the perfect fight right now for my situation.  It’s a great stepping stone for my career. 


 
“I’m top five in the WBA at the moment, I’m moving fast.  Each fight is getting me closer and closer to the top three names in the heavyweight division.  I’m just going to keep on working hard in the gym and if everything goes well I’ll be back training for the next one soon.  This year I’m going to make big strides.


 
“It was four rounds [of sparring] but I think that’s all he could do at that stage.  He says he took me to school but I went to university, if you know what I mean.  When we sparred in his camp in Las Vegas he was a bit lethargic.  I don’t really care, though – they can talk however they want but we’ll see what happens Saturday night. 


 
“I know how good I am and I just need to show all of you guys.  I’m happy with Richard [Schaefer] having the faith in me.  I’m just going to do my job and show how good I am.


 
“He’s towards the end of his career.  He’s going to want to beat me to get back in the mix, but good luck to him.  I’d be happy if I beat him before seventh or eighth round.  I’m not going to be Wilder. I won’t beat him in under a round. I’m not there yet, but I will be eventually.


 
“This is quite a step up for me. I have my eyes set on bigger fights and he is the right step for me.  To be honest, I was surprised that he accepted the challenge.  I think that he believes that a win over me will help him regain his status as a top heavyweight.  He won’t beat me.


 
“He’s going to try to come in and try to take me out early, but he’s not going to be able.  I’m ready for him.  I’m confident that towards the end of the year my name will be among the top five heavyweights in the world.


 
“A Wilder fight, that’s a fight to make in the future.  That’s a good fight, I like the WBC belt.”


 
BERMANE STIVERNE:

“It’s good to be back.  I feel great.  I came prepared.  We can talk all we want right now but what matters is what happens Saturday night.  I’m prepared.  My team made sure of that. 


 
“I’m not looking past Joyce.  That’s what I have to take care of on Saturday.  I’m well prepared.  We can talk about the future once that business is taken care of. 


 
“There are a lot of stories about our sparring, but it wasn’t anything too interesting.  It was a couple, maybe four rounds.  Nothing to talk about.  I’m not going into this fight based on the sparring we had.  I’ve never disrespected this man.  I posted a picture and thanked him for the sparring. 


 
“Obviously they are taking this fight based on what happened in the last fight with Wilder and I’m glad.  They are underestimating me.  We could go back and forth all day but that’s not what matters.  What matters is what happens on Saturday at The O2. 


 
“I’m a stumbling block, not a stepping stone.


 
“I’m glad he thinks I’m here as a gatekeeper or stepping stone.  I’m not really worried about that.  They didn’t call me last minute – I was already in the gym.  However they view me, I’m ready.  I’ll tell you one thing, they didn’t catch me with my pants down.  I’m ready.


 
“I would have packed it up or hung it up if I wasn’t ready.  I’m coming to fight.


 
“Wilder hit me with a right hand in the rematch and that was it.  You’re not going to see the same thing on Saturday.  This is the perfect fight for me.  They’re taking me too lightly and it’s a mistake.”


 
ABEL SANCHEZ, Joyce’s Trainer:

“We’ve prepared for the Bermane that fought Chris Arreola. 


 
“These are the types of fights that will prepare us for the elite later this year. 


 
“I wasn’t with Joe when his sparring with Stiverne took place, but if it got a guy like Stiverne heated up, it must have been something.


 
“We feel he’s ready for the next step. Stiverne is the kind of test we have to go through to move forward with his career.


 
“Joyce is probably the most decorated fighter in the U.K. He’s smart, very athletic and he’s going to be a force to be reckoned with just like George Foreman was.


 
“In the heavyweight division one punch can define the outcome of a fight so we are preparing for the guy that fought Deontay Wilder for 12 rounds, the guy that defeated Arreola.”


 
CHARLES MOONEY, Stiverne’s Trainer:

“I brought Tony Thompson to fight David Price, which they thought it was an accident and we knocked him out in the second round.  They thought it was a fluke and they brought us back again and we stopped him again.  I’m not a giant slayer, but I’m 2-0.  I stopped an Olympic bronze medalist and now I’m going to stop a silver medalist.  We’re working our way up to gold. 


 
“Joe needs to grow up a bit.  He’s not ready for this.  We’re going to kick that ass.  My opinion, I think he should have waited a little bit.  He should have traveled the road instead of trying to leap over the fence.  When the bell rings we’ll know.”


 
RICHARD SCHAEFER, Joyce’s Promoter:

“This card is historic and one of many ITV cards that Al Haymon and the PBC will bring to the U.K. fans. 


 
“DeGale and Eubank is a 50/50 fight, but this fight is going to steal the night.  When I saw Stiverne walk into the room I knew that he means business.  When Stiverne is in tremendous shape he is a very difficult guy to beat.


 
“I’m going to make a bold statement – Joe Joyce today is the best heavyweight in the world.  By the end of the year, he’ll be heavyweight champion of the world.  By next year he’ll be ready to take on Wilder, [Anthony] Joshua and [Tyson] Fury.   


 
“Joyce is a generational talent.  This is going to be a very difficult test.  We want to see the best Stiverne because Joe Joyce is going to make a statement.”


 
For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,
 
subscribe to the SHOWTIME Sports YouTube channel, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing.

Graham and Torrez Jr. Win Gold; Coe Takes Silver in Finals of 2019 Strandja Tournament


Team USA Leaves Sofia, Bulgaria with eight medals

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo (February. 19, 2019) — The 70th edition of the Strandja Tournament came to a close today with Team USA winning two gold and one silver to add to the five bronze medals they won in yesterday’s semifinals in Sofia, Bulgaria.

2018 Elite Women’s World Championships bronze medalist Naomi Graham (Colorado Springs, Colo.) added another medal to her impressive international resume after defeating Sweden’s Love Holgersson by split decision. This marks the middleweights fourth international medal since the beginning of 2018.
 
Super heavyweight Richard Torrez Jr. (Tulare, Calif.) closed out the tournament in spectacular fashion to take another international gold medal. Torrez took all five judges’ cards over the host countries Petar Belberov to earn his second elite international gold medal. At the conclusion of the tournament, Torrez was named on the Boxers of the Tournament. 
 
2018 breakout star Khalil Coe (Jersey City, N.J.) picked up a silver medal following a walkover win by Russia’s Imam Khataev.
 
Troy Isley (Alexandria, Va.), Delante Johnson (Cleveland, Ohio) Oshae Jones (Toledo, Ohio), Morelle McCane (Cleveland, Ohio) and Yarisel Ramirez (Las Vegas, Nev.) earned bronze for Team USA in yesterday’s semifinal bouts.
 
Team USA began the tournament with 25 boxers with Head Coach Billy Walsh (Colorado Springs, Colo.) leading the American delegation throughout the tournament, along with USA Boxing National Assistant Coach Kay Koroma (Colorado Springs, Colo.). Rasheen Ali (Cleveland, Ohio), Tim Back (Cincinnati, Ohio), Kevin Benford (Cincinnati, Ohio), Joe Guzman (Fountain, Calif.) and Christine Lopez (Rowlett, Texas) served on the coaching staff during the tournament. This year’s tournament saw over 300 boxers from over 30 different countries step into the ring.
 
The delegation will return to the United States tomorrow.
 
You can look back at the United States performances throughout the tournament by clicking here.
 
Finals Results
 
75 kg: Naomi Graham, Colorado Springs, Colo./USA, dec. over Love Holgersson/SWE, 3-2
81 kg: Imam Khataev/RUS won by walkover over Khalil Coe, Jersey City, N.J./USA, WO
91+ kg: Richard Torrez Jr., Tulare, Calif./USA, dec. over Petar Belberov/BUL, 5-0
 
INFORMATION:
www.usaboxing.org
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing