All posts by FNU47

boxing, FNU Combat Sports Show, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale, UFC, UK Boxing

Psychic Tom Predicts Win For Mark Hunt; Rabble Rousin’ Rich Opens the Show with Demetrious Johnson vs. Dana White Rant; Tony the Tornado rips Stevenson/Fonfara on this week’s FNU Combat Sports Show

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Rich Bergeron opens this week’s FNU Combat Sports show by giving his unique take on the Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson feud with the UFC brass, namely Dana White. Upon refusing to take a fight with T.J. Dillashaw without getting certain assurances and conditions met, many fans on social media insisted DJ was running scared. Even Dillashaw took the opportunity to blast the move by the flyweight champ as “chickenshit.” Dana White even reportedly threatened to shut down the entire flyweight division if Johnson refused to fight TJ. “Mighty Mouse” didn’t blink and didn’t cave to the organization’s demands, and Rich explains in his opening dialogue why DJ should be respected and given the benefit of the doubt for his decision rather than being criticized and dragged through the mud for standing up for himself.

 

During the rest of the broadcast, Tony “The Tornado” Penecale details his night out at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia for a fight card headlined by Hank Lundy. He also recaps Fonfara vs. Stevenson II and calls the fight “a disgrace.”

 

“Psychic” Tom Padgett chips in with some post-fight analysis of Aldo vs. Holloway. He also predicts Mark Hunt will benefit from home cage advantage in his battle with Derrick Lewis this weekend at UFC Fight Night 110 in New Zealand.

 

There’s also an update on Hunt’s lawsuit against the UFC and Brock Lesnar and lots of other fight previews and recaps. Listen to the whole broadcast to catch up on what’s new in combat sports this week.

boxing

OFFICIAL CES BOXING WEIGHTS FOR TOMORROW NIGHT’S LIVE STREAM ON FITE TV

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Airing on FITE TV PPV, June 9, from Rhode Island
NEW YORK CITY (June 8, 2017) — Boxing fans may watch tomorrow night’s entire CES Boxing card, starting at 7:00 p.m. ET, simply by downloading the FITE app and then cast the fight to the big screen by using the instant stream-to-TV function. The FITE app works with any Wi-Fi connected television around the world, iOS and Android devices, as well as streaming devices such as Roku, Chromecast and more. Fans may also watch the fights live on the FITE website at www.fite.tv from any computer.
Main Event – New England Junior Middleweight Championship (8)
Greg Vendetti (14-2-1, 10 KOs), Champion, Stoneham, MA 152 lbs.
Khiary Gray (14-2, 11 KOs), Challenger, Worcester, MA 154 lbs.
Co-Feature – Junior Middleweights (8)
Mark DeLuca (18-0, 12 KOs), Quincy, MA 154 lbs.
Chris Chatman (14-6-1, 5 KOs), Chicago, IL 156 lbs.

Heavyweights (6)

Juiseppe Cusumano (10-1, 8 KOs), Richmond, VA 235 lbs.
Dan Biddle (9-6, 5 KOs), Wilmington, DE 224 lbs.
Middleweights (6)
Kendrick Ball, Sr. (6-0-2, 5 KOs), Worcester, MA  163 lbs.
Godson Noel (6-0-1, 4 KOs), Newark, NJ 162 lbs.
Lightweights (6)
Anthony Marsella, Jr. (4-0, 2 KOs), Providence, RI 135 lbs.
Abraham Torres (3-1, 1 KO), Dallas, TX 136 lbs.

Lightweights (4)

Michael Valentin (pro debut), Providence, RI 137 lbs.
Kevin De Freitas (pro debut), Somerville, MA 137 lbs.

Matt Doherty (6-3-1, 4 KOs), Salem, MA 138 lbs.

Placido Hoff (1-1-1), Providence, RI 136 lbs

Featherweights (4)
Ricky Delossantos (1-0), Pawtucket, RI 126 lbs.
Malcolm Simms (0-0-1), Newark, NJ 124 lbs.
 
WHEN:                      Friday, June 9, 2017
WHERE:                   Twin River, in Lincoln, RI, USA
 
PROMOTER:            CES Boxing
LIVE STREAMING: Available to watch live on the FITE app and its website for a suggested retail price of $14.99.
 
FITE TV is a Combat Sports Network that features boxing, MMA and wrestling programming.  FITE gives viewers the choice to watch the program on line at www.FITE.tv, on their mobile device or on their WiFi connected television using the FITE app.  The FITE app can be downloaded for free at Google Play or the iTunes app stores.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

REGIS PROGRAIS vs. JOEL DIAZ JR. FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION HALL OF FAME WEEKEND TRIPLEHEADER LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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Tomorrow/Friday, June 9 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

Click HERE For Weigh-In Photos; Credit Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

Click HERE For Hall of Fame Opening Bell Photos; Credit Tom Casino/SHOWTIME

 

VERONA, N.Y. (June 8, 2017) – Regis “Rougarou” Prograis and Joel Diaz Jr. made weight on Thursday just hours after the “Opening Bell” to kick off festivities for the 2017 International Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend. 

 

The undefeated Prograis (19-0, 16 KOs) and fellow unbeaten Diaz (23-0, 19 KOs) will square off in the 10-round super lightweight main event of a Hall of Fame edition of ShoBox: The New Generation tomorrow/Friday, June 9, live on SHOWTIME (10:30 p.m. ET/PT) from Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.

 

The ShoBox tripleheader will celebrate longtime analysts Barry Tompkins and Steve Farhood just two days before their induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.  Farhood and Tompkins were joined at the Opening Bell on Thursday by a handful of their fellow 2017 inductees: boxing legend Marco Antonio Barrera, Australian trainer Johnny Lewis, and the wife of the late Johnny Tapia, Teresa Tapia. 

 

In the ShoBox co-feature, undefeated super middleweight Steve Rolls (15-0, 9 KOs) will take on the hard-hitting Demond Nicholson (17-1-1, 16 KOs) in an eight-round bout.  In the opening bout of the telecast, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez’s protégé, Jon Fernandez, (12-0, 10 KOs) faces Juan Reyes (14-3-3, 2 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight matchup.

 

Tickets for the event, co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment (DBE) and AASHA Record Breakers, are priced at $65 for ringside, $50, $40 and $30 (may be subject to additional fees) and are available at the Turning Stone Box Office, by calling 877-833-SHOW, or online at Ticketmaster.com. Doors will open at 7:00 p.m., with the first bout scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

 

OFFICIAL WEIGHTS

 

10-Round Super Lightweight Main Event:

Regis Prograis – 139 ½ pounds

Joel Diaz Jr. – 137 ¼ pounds

Referee: Mark Nelson; Judges: Don Ackerman, Tom Schreck, John McKaie

 

Eight-Round Super Middleweight Co-Feature:

Steve Rolls – 161 pounds

Demond Nicholson – 162 ½ pounds

Referee: Benjy Esteves; Judges: Glenn Feldman, Don Trella, Wynn Kintz

 

Eight-Round Lightweight Telecast Opener:

Jon Fernandez – 132 ½ pounds

Juan Ramon Reyes – 131 ½ pounds

Referee: Charlie Fitch; Judges: Don Ackerman, Glenn Feldman, John McKaie

 

FINAL QUOTES:

 

Regis Prograis

“The person that wins this fight goes up, hopefully, to a title fight.  I’m 19-0, he’s 23-0.  I feel like this is a real big fight.

 

“I take all my opponents seriously, but I’m taking this one even more seriously than others in the past.  He’s 23-0, and there’s a reason he’s undefeated.  He’s good, and he has the best record I’ve ever faced. 

 

“I’m at a stage in my career where every fight can lead to the next big thing and I think this fight may be it for me.  I’m patient, but I’m ready for more.  I want a shot at a title.

 

“He’s a brawler fighter, but I have the better punching power, and the speed.

 

“If I feel like he [Diaz] can’t hurt me from the first round, I’ll probably just walk him down the whole night and punish him.

 

“Seeing what [Errol] Spence did motivates me, especially the way he did it in his opponent’s hometown.  It got me thinking: that can be me one day.  We went at it in the amateurs, so I know how good he is, but I’m good too.  Just seeing him go over there and take the title away, I know my time is coming next. 

 

“I grew up watching Macho Camacho, Roberto Duran, Mike Tyson, but I watched more Duran than anything.  I really liked his style.  I learned a lot watching the boxing greats on tape.

 

“Terence Crawford, Adrien Broner, Victor Postol.  Those are the type of guys I want to fight.

 

“I started boxing in New Orleans, and if it wasn’t for Katrina, I probably wouldn’t be where I am right now.  When I moved to Houston, I got into the boxing scene and started taking it seriously.  It was a horrible situation [in New Orleans], but it changed my life. 

 

“My family went back [to New Orleans], but not me.  I stayed in Houston to box.  I feel it’s not time for me to go back home just yet.  I’ll come back when I become a superstar, like I’m supposed to be.”

 

Joel Diaz Jr.

“This is my chance, this is my opportunity.  I’ve been told, ‘you only get one chance’, and this is it for me.  I know Regis is good, but we’re going to put it on him.  I’m going to be on him like flies on shit.  This is one of the opportunities I can’t let pass. 

 

“We’re going to break him down mentally, find our way in, and drop the bomb.

 

“He throws combos, and that’s what I have to take away from him.  I have to be on him and be the first to attack.  My power will take care of his speed.   

 

“This means a lot to me, getting to show the world who the ‘secret’ is.  People haven’t really seen what I have, but there will be no more secrets after tomorrow.

 

“I’m going to show the world who the real Joel Diaz is.  I’m now at the right weight for me and I’m 110 percent.  I didn’t waste four weeks of training camp trying to lose weight.  I feel strong.

 

“A world championship after this fight, that’s what I want.  This is my opportunity to actually show who I am and I can’t let it go.  If I let this go, I might as well go back to school.  This is going to open all the doors for me. 

 

“We’ve been ready for this step for a while.  I’d like to fight the winner of [Adrien] Broner- [Mikey] Garcia, but we’ll see.  I know Broner doesn’t want to fight me.  I tried to fight him and he turned it down.  He knows I’ll give him trouble.

 

“I changed trainers. I used to be with Abel Ramos, now I’m with Chris Byrd.  With Coach Chris, it’s more defense than offense.  Working with Chris is amazing.  He was a fighter, so he knows what it takes to step in that ring.  He’s been there, so he understands me from a fighter’s perspective and that’s very important for me.  The bond we have inside and outside the ring is special.  

 

“You’re going to see a more active Joel Diaz and a more defensive Joel Diaz.  I’m going to show the world who Joel Diaz is at 140 and trust me, they will ask for more after they see it.”

 

Steve Rolls

“My last fight on ShoBox [against Steed Woodall in December 2015] was a learning experience. I was knocked down in the third, but I rebounded.  You never know how you are going to react in the face of adversity until you are put in that position.  I’m glad that happened early on in my career.  It taught me a lot.

 

“I’m know I’m 33, but I feel better than when I was younger.  I take care of myself.  I have a clean lifestyle.  Age is not a thing for me.

 

“Nicholson has a good jab.  I’ve seen him fight before.  I’m not sure if he’s made adjustments or if he’s coming with a different game plan.  I’m ready for whatever he brings.

 

“From what I’ve seen, he can fight.  He knows what he’s doing in there and it looks like he has some experience.”

 

Demond Nicholson

“This guy [Rolls] is not as experienced as me.  I’m a big step-up for him. 

 

“My last fight [against Immanuwel Aleem] was a big step up, and I fought to a majority draw.  It was a slow start, but I’m a fighter, and I soldiered through. That fight really opened my eyes up to better my career, my future.  

 

“Look at what Aleem has done since we fought.  He knocked out an undefeated guy [Ievgen Khytrov] that no one wanted to face.

 

“My experience is going to get us over the hump against this guy.  He has a dangerous right hand, but I’m going to take that away from him.

 

“I’m a natural boxer, but people were calling me a brawler after my performance with Aleem and that’s not who I am.  But I get it – I didn’t box at all in that fight.  That’s why I had to go back to the drawing board.

 

“I learned a lot training at Head Bangers in Washington, D.C. with Barry Hunter, Lamont Peterson and all those guys. I’ve learned from Lamont, from Adrien Broner, from Austin Trout. They spar with top fighters and that’s why they perform at the highest level – because they’ve sparred with the best. So I’m doing the same.”

 

“I have one loss, and that taught me a lot.  I had to lose 15 pounds in three days for that fight and that took a toll on me. There are no issues making weight for this fight.”

 

Jon Fernandez

“This is my second fight with my new trainer Tinin Rodriguez.  I always try to get better and changing trainers seemed to be the best path for me.  He’s helping me round up the fundamentals of boxing.

 

“I know I’m tall for my weight class, but I feel OK.  I think 130 is my ideal weight, but I might go up in weight in the future.  We’ll see.  I’m still young and I have a long career ahead of me.

 

“I used to watch tape of Maravilla when I was growing up.  He inspired me to be serious about boxing.  He was so good.  It’s such of honor to be working with him.  I respect him a lot.”

 

Juan Reyes

“I haven’t fought anybody that tall, but I have a good game plan. I know he’s a volume puncher, but that’s just going to get me excited.  It’ll get my adrenaline pumping.

 

“I’m excited that I’m fighting on TV and in such special weekend, it’s the Boxing Hall of Fame.  This is a dream come true.  If I beat this guy it could change my life.”

 

Sergio Martinez – Jon Fernandez Co-Promoter

“Jon is a thinker.  He knows when to attack and when to defend himself.  He’s truly gifted.

 

“Some may draw comparisons of him with Paul Williams, but I fought Williams twice and let me tell you they are not alike.  Paul was the type of fighter that would get in the ring and go from first, to second, to third gear without thinking. JonFer will read you, will go to whatever gear he needs to be to defeat his opponent.  He has a very high boxing IQ.”

 

Chris Byrd – Diaz’s Trainer

“Joel is an aggressive machine, so my main focus has been on developing his defense.  He’s a talented boxer, but his aggressiveness sometimes opens holes in his defense.  In this training camp, we worked on that.  We have a good strategy going.

 

“He already knew how to fight, but you just have to push him a little bit on defense.  He’s still aggressive as ever, but he needed to think about what’s coming back at him.

 

“My main thing is life after boxing.  I have two brothers that are messed up from boxing. That’s why I focus on defense so much.  He has an aggressive style, but he also has talent, good feet and eye coordination.  He’ll go on to do great things.

 

“You’re going to see something special.  Regis is good, I give him props, but you’re going to see something special from Joel.  And a great fight.”

 

# # #

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox, @loudibella and @DiBellaEnt or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, andwww.facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 69 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams, Errol Spence Jr. and more.

boxing, HBO Boxing, Roc Nation

TEAM ANDRE WARD MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL RECAP

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WARD-KOVALEV 2: “THE REMATCH”

SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 2017

AT MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER, LAS VEGAS

PRESENTED LIVE BY HBO PAY-PER-VIEW®

LAS VEGAS, NV (June 8, 2017) – Yesterday, Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion Andre “S.O.G.” Ward (31-0, 15 KOs) participated in an international media conference call ahead of his highly-anticipated rematch against former titleholder Sergey “Krusher” Kovalev (30-1-1, 26 KOs). Ward-Kovalev 2: “The Rematch” takes place Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The championship event, presented by Corona Extra, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

 

Here are some of the highlighted comments from Team Ward:

 

Andre “S.O.G.” Ward – Unified Light Heavyweight World Champion

 

“It’s a blessing, what the Bay Area fans have always done for me and for what they do for their athletes, whether they’re homegrown or transplants from other cities. They just appreciate the people that go out there and represent them well. And they always return the favor.

 

“I enjoyed my victory just like I would any other victory. People have to understand that anytime there’s a close decision, you’re going to have opinions either way. I’ve never refuted the fact that it was a close decision but all those out there that say that it’s some home cooking, they’ve got to remember that I’m not, you know, from Las Vegas, Nevada. You can’t just highlight that side of it. You got to highlight the people that also felt that I deserved the victory and (that it) was a tremendous comeback. It doesn’t take a close decision to get criticism. I’ve shut guys out for 12 rounds and got criticism. So you become immune to it after a certain period of time.

 

“Like I said before, [Kovalev’s] a good fighter. It’s not what it’s cracked up to be and but I give him his respect. He’s a champion and once you become a champion and have defended your belt, you’re a champion for life.

 

“I thought I won the fight by at least two rounds. But at the end of the day, there’s close rounds that you can call a swing round. I don’t know how this individual is judging the round or how they feel about it but if you look at the scorecards, I think the judges did a tremendous job because they were on one accord.

 

“I’m honored to represent my country which I’ve done since I’ve been fortunate enough to do [as] a little boy at the Junior Olympic level all the way up to the Olympics. I’ve had a lot of international competition as a professional and it’s an honor and a privilege to live here in the United States and to represent my country. And I’ve always tried to do that, no matter who I’m fighting.

 

“I think the first fight was a great fight. I think there was a lot of drama in the first fight, more drama than I wanted. I think it was a tremendous fight and I believe, round two is going to be a tremendous fight.

 

“I’ve faced a lot of adversity inside the ring. You know, some of it the public has seen. A lot of it, maybe, the public hasn’t seen in the many gyms or the many sparring sessions and everything you’ve got to do to get to a certain level in the sport. I knew what I had in me. I’ve been on the canvas before. I’ve been hurt in fights. I’ve been cut. Things have happened and, you know, my response has always been the same where if I’m physically able, I want to come get that back. I also have a tremendous coach who is my godfather. You saw him shift and go into a different gear to tell me what I needed to hear. He didn’t panic but he had a sense of urgency and he told me what I needed to hear. He just reminded me of all of the greats that had their moment. And he just reminded me that this is [my] moment. And sometimes in fights, especially in moments like this, it’s not so much technical… it’s a feeling.

 

“On the physical side, it was Virgil having the foresight early on when I was a young boy. He saw that I had a lot of ability and skills. He always told me that I don’t look at the things [I] do well, I look at where you can be beat. He said when I was 11, 12 (or) 13 years old, ‘The only style that can give you trouble right now is a buzz saw.’

 

“The jab is a lost art today. Skilled inside fighting is really a lost art and a lot of guys don’t want to be there. They want you at range. They want you in a certain place and if they can’t have you there then you see a totally different fighter.

 

“So outside of my family, I didn’t really have a lot of ex-fighters that I could pick up the phone and call. So I just try to be available, have my phone available, and make the time where I need to make the time (for some of the younger fighters). They’ll let you know what they need to talk about and what they want to talk about. If I have the answer, I’m going to definitely give them everything that I can give them. If I don’t, I’ll try to help them find it because at the end of the day, whether it’s Claressa [Shields] or Shakur [Stevenson], I’m for the fighter. I’m pro fighter. We talk about [training] stuff but it’s also more about life—being stable and making the right decisions now so that down the road, you’re happy that you did what you had to do. It’s an honor and a privilege to be someone that any of those fighters would want to pick up the phone and call. I don’t look at it like a burden. It’s an honor and a privilege.”

 

Virgil Hunter – Trainer of Andre Ward

 

“We’ve had a good camp. We’ve had a very smooth camp, the way you would like them to be. Sometimes it can’t always turn out that way but we are fortunate enough this time to have everything clicking. It’s good to see Andre in the gym after four fights and see him getting back and closer and closer to who he truly is—not just as a warrior and a battler and an individual who has a lot of dog in him but also that very skilled pugilist. I’m looking forward toJune 17 and let Andre do the talking that night with his left and his right hand.

 

“[Andre is] a professional and he’s been through this for the 24 years of his life. You have to understand when he went to the Olympics he wasn’t with me at all for three months. So he’s a professional. He knows what to do. He’s my least worry of leaving town for a week. It’s part of the sport. It’s part of the game. And when you have a professional like Andre, you know, you don’t worry about those things.

 

“Well the opponent definitely won’t see the same fighter in this fight for a number of reasons. No need to disclose but we always go in with several plans or any plan that needs to be implemented at any given time. Of course, I’m not going to ask him to do anything that I know he can’t do or hasn’t worked on or hasn’t practiced but we’re fortunate enough to be able to adjust and also adapt. I believe that what we worked on for Plan A is going to be more than enough.

 

“An amateur is when you’re at the top level and you fight at a top level. You go into national tournaments and tend to see some opponents more than once and more than twice. So in a sense, [Andre] has had rematches. As far as this rematch is concern all I can say is ‘oh boy.’ That’s all I can say.

 

“There wasn’t any fear or trepidation going into the first match. You can’t have that. Of course, you’re aware of what the opponent brings. We’re aware that you have a bigger opponent or a stronger opponent, an opponent that can punch. We’re aware of all that but we’ve been through that before. I mean when he fought in the Olympics at light heavyweight people don’t know or they never acknowledge the fact that he was only 170 pounds. So, he was giving up weight, height and size there. So, he’s used to it. He’s accustomed to it. And because of his physical strength and his stamina and his IQ he’s able to overcome all of these so-called advantages that the other fighter might have. So, once again we respect our opponent and we respect Kovalev on what he has done and what he’s capable of doing. And it’s a healthy respect but it’s not a respect that’s going to stop him from getting smashed June 17.

 

“My job is to be in that realistic moment. I know [Andre] would embrace and understand what I was saying because it’s been between he and I, things we’ve talked about over the years many, many times. Sometimes you just have to put the strategy out the window and appeal to who you know that fighter is. And I know who he is.”

 

Josh Dubin – Advisor and Attorney of Andre Ward

 

“On behalf of James Prince and myself, I just want to thank everybody for participating in the call. We are extremely grateful for the support of HBO, all of our sponsors that have stepped up and of course, Roc Nation. At the risk of making Virgil a little bit more uncomfortable, I do feel like from top to bottom we just have the best team out there and certainly, the best trainer in the world. I feel blessed to be part of such a historic event. I know that on June 17 you’re going to see magic in that ring and one of the best, if not the best ever, step into the ring to do his thing yet again.”

 

Michael R. Yormark – Roc Nation President & Chief of Branding and Strategy

 

“Obviously, Ward-Kovalev 2: “The Rematch” has the potential to be the fight of the year. As you have heard and as you’ve written these fighters don’t like each other. These fighters don’t have respect for one another and this obviously creates a lot of buzz, a lot of curiosity and a lot of anticipation for next week’s fight.

 

“As you’ve heard Andre state time and time again after this fight there will be no excuses. And without a doubt the winner of this fight will absolutely be the pound-for-pound king in the sport of boxing.”

 

 

Ward vs. Kovalev 2: “The Rematch,” a 12-round mega-fight for the WBO/IBF/WBA Light Heavyweight World Championships, is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Main Events, Andre Ward Promotions, Krusher Promotions and Corona Extra, sponsored by Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Jetlux, Life10 Electrolyte, Zappos, D’USSÉ Cognac, ProSupps and Powered by Monster. The championship event takes place Saturday, June 17 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Tickets for Ward-Kovalev 2: “The Rematch” are available on axs.com and at the Mandalay Bay Events Center Box Office.

 

Follow the conversation using #WardKovalev. Follow us:

 

www.andresogward.com @AndreWard @AndreSogWard /AndreSogWard
www.kovalboxer.com @KrusherKovalev @SergeyKrusherKovalev /thekrusher /kovalboxer
www.throneboxing.com @RocNation @RocNationSports /RocNation /RocNation
www.mainevents.com @Main_Events @Main_Events /MainEventsBoxing /MEBoxingSeries
www.insidehboboxing.com @HBOboxing @HBOboxing /HBOboxing /HBOSports
www.mandalyabay.com @MandalayBay @MandalayBay /MandalayBay
amateur boxing, boxing

Las Vegas’ Pound-4-Pound Boxing Program Sends 18 Participants to 6th Annual Southern California State Championships

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LAS VEGAS, NV (June 8, 2017) – The “Pound-4-Pound” boxing gym, Las Vegas’ #1 amateur boxing program, is sending 18 participants to this weekend’s 6th Annual Southern California State Championships, in beautiful Menifee, California.  The three-day tournament, sanctioned by U.S.A. Boxing, goes live starting this Friday June 9th, and carries on through June 11th.
Pound-4-Pound head coach, Richard Barrientes Jr., has been grooming most of his students since they were 8-years old.  Barrientes hopes to bring home titles in several weight classes.
“This is a very difficult tournament for all weight classes because there are so many good fighters participating from Southern and Northern California, along with some neighboring states,” said Barrientes. “I feel we have some of the top kids competing in this tournament and I’m hoping to bring home a few titles.  It won’t be easy, but I have faith my team will do well, because I know they all put in an extremely amount of hard work.  Win or lose, it’s all about keeping these kids in a positive environment, where they can excel and gain self-esteem.”
Below is a list of all Pound-4-Pound boxers looking to bring home titles.
Boys:                                                                 Girls:
Angel Barrientes 14-yrs (95 lbs)                       Daelynn Hooker 15-yrs (114 lbs)
Chavez Barrientes 14-yrs (101 lbs)                  Jayden Hooker 11-yrs (80 lbs)
Dorian Khan 14-yrs (106 lbs)
Isaiah Hooker 13-yrs (110lbs)
Gabriel Soto 13-yrs (85 lbs)
Jair Aguilar 10-yrs (65 lbs)
Jovanny Aguilar 13-yrs (95lbs)
Jordan Aguilar 19yr 114 lbs
Jonathan Aguilar 14yr (110 lbs)
Jayden Orpilla 8-yrs (55 lbs)
Alfredo Gutierrez 17-yrs (141lbs)
Anthony Torres 13-yrs (80 lbs)
John Armstrong 10-yrs (65 lbs)
Jathan Barajas 10-yr (85 lbs)
Demler Zamora 14-yrs (119 lbs)
Tysean Tillman 13-yrs (95 lbs)
WHAT:        6th Annual Southern California State Championship
                   General admission: $12
                   Kids: $6
                   Ringside: $25
WHERE:    Valley Wide Recreation & Park District Gym
                   28545 La Piedra Rd. Menifee, CA 92584
WHEN:       Friday 7:00 p.m – 10:30 p.m
                   Saturday and Sunday 12:00 p.m – 8:00 p.m
boxing, UK Boxing

BURNETT: I WANT TO EMULATE FRAMPTON IN BELFAST

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Unbeaten talent can become Northern Ireland’s latest World champion on Saturday
SAN DIEGO (JUNE 8, 2017) – Ryan Burnett says he can follow in Carl Frampton’s footsteps and become a huge star in Belfast as he challenges Lee Haskins for the IBF World Bantamweight title at the SSE Arena Belfast on Saturday, LIVE on AWE- A Wealth of Entertainment at 3 PM ET / 12 PM Noon PT.

Burnett tackles his first World title fights in his first fight on home-turf in nearly three years, while the Bristolian puts his crown on the line for the third time.
If Burnett can rip the IBF crown from Haskins, he’ll become the latest World champion from Belfast, following in the footsteps of Carl Frampton. ‘The Jackal’ also made the red belt his first World title in the Titanic Quarter back in September 2014, and Burnett hopes that Saturday is the first step on emulating the former two-weight World champion.
“People keep saying that I am the second coming of Carl Frampton – that’s a big statement,” said Burnett. “I do believe that I can emulate his success and be a big hit in Belfast. I’ve drawn a lot of inspiration from Carl and seeing a Belfast lad become a World champion.
“He’s taken the steps that I am taking now and seeing the level that he’s got to and what he’s achieved – and what he can still achieve – is massive. He’s done so much for boxing in Belfast, and I want to have the same impact.”
Burnett’s clash with Haskins is part of a huge night of action in Belfast where Paul Hyland Jr faces Adam Dingsdale for his first pro title with the IBF European Lightweight strap on the line.
James Tennyson tackles Ryan Doyle for the WBA International Super-Featherweight belt, Ian Tims and Luke Watkins meet for the Irish Cruiserweight title, there’s the Cruiserweight debut of Mike Perez, and local favorites Paddy Gallagher, Matthew Wilton, Feargal McCrory and Tyrone McCullagh.
Photos By : Lawrence Lustig
 
About AWE LIVE BOXING 

AWE LIVE Boxing features live world title championship and elimination bouts showcasing today’s most exciting fighters. Since the inception of AWE’s live boxing events in 2011, AWE has featured over 50 world title fights.

AWE has brought boxing fans some of the most exciting and controversial bouts, including the matchup of Ricky Burns against Ray Beltran for the world title. AWE featured live and exclusively the crowning of American Terence Crawford over Ricky Burns. AWE fans have witnessed the explosive power of undefeated heavyweight Tyson Fury multiple times on the network, including Fury’s victory over Kevin Johnson.  In 2017, AWE was the exclusive United States television provider of the historic matchup between legendary British heavyweight David Haye and Tony Bellew.

About AWE – A Wealth of Entertainment

A Wealth of Entertainment (“AWE”) features a wide range of lifestyles and entertainment programming from exotic travel and outrageous homes to live world championship boxing. AWE is available on over a hundred cable systems, including AT&T U-Verse, ch 147 and 1147 in HD, Verizon FiOS TV, ch 169 and 669 in HD. and DirecTV, ch 387.
boxing

Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna looking for major names with a win this Saturday night at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City

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LaManna to battle 54-fight veteran Carlos Winston Velasquez in main event
Anthony “Juice” Young takes on George Sosa in co-feature
Dan Pasciolla & Gabriel Pham in action
Also undefeated Donald Smith, Chris Thomas, Elijah Vines & Fredrick Julian
WEIGH IN TO BE STREAMED LIVE THIS FRIDAY AT 3 PM ET ON RISING PROMOTIONS FACEBOOK PAGE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlantic City, NJ (June 8, 2017)–Welterweight contender, Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna feels that he is on the brink of a breakthrough win, and he is looking to fight a big name later this Summer that will help catapult himself up the rankings, and on his way to a world title shot.
This Saturday night at The Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City, he first must get through 54-fight veteran Carlos Winston Velasquez in the eight-round main event of a card promoted by Rising Promotions.
LaManna, 22-2 with nine knockouts of Millville, New Jersey, will be looking for his 2nd consecutive win, and a win over Velasquez would set up a coveted fight with highly thought of foe.
“I am looking forward to a great fight on Saturday.  I am not taking Velasquez lightly as he is a tough veteran who has had 54 fights,” said LaManna. “After I win, I want something big.  Myself and Rising Promotions have regional title bouts in mind.  Fights with Zab Judah and Kermit Cintron have been brought up.  The ultimate goal is to get world rated, and climb up the ladder with meaningful fights that I would like to take place in Atlantic City.”
“Because I have two losses, I get calls all the time to be an opponent.  I don’t look at myself as being one.  I am one of the biggest, if not the biggest tickets seller in New Jersey, with a tremendous fan base, and myself and my Rising Promotions team would like to capitalize on that and move me along like a real promotional company is supposed to move a fighter.  Atlantic City is a great fight town, and I think that we can bring the type of bouts back to the boardwalk that made this town the mecca of boxing that it once was.  I think a fight with a big name opponent later this Summer would create great buzz in the Atlantic City boxing scene, and it would keep me moving towards my goal of being a world champion.”
In the eight-round co-feature, Anthony “Juice” Young (16-2, 6 KO’a) of Atlantic City battles George Sosa  (15-8, 15 KO’s) of New Jersey in a welterweight bout.
In six-round bouts:
Gabriel Pham (8-1, 4 KO’s) of Atlantic City, NJ will battle Edgar Perez (7-20, 3 KO’s) of Chicago in a super middleweight clash.
Frederick Julian (4-0, 2 KO’s) of Cambaul, France will take on Jose Valderrama (5-19, 3 KO’s) of Manati, PR in a light heavyweight bout.

Dan Pasciolla (9-2-2) of Brick, NJ will battle Lemarcus Tucker (4-2, 2 KO’s) of Batesville, AR in a rematch of heavyweights.  Pasciolla took the first bout this past March via six-round split decision.

In four-round bouts:
Donald Smith (4-0, 3 KO’s) of Philadelphia will take on Sidell Blocker (1-7-1) of Pleasantville, NJ in a super featherweight bout.
Chris Thomas (6-0, 3 KO’s) of Toms River, NJ will take on Oscar Valdez (1-2, 1 KO) of Batesville, AR in a middleweight bout
Elijah Vines (3-0, 3 KO’ts) of Philadelphia will take on Henry Tyrone Paige (0-4) of Batesville, ARK  in a junior middleweight tilt.
Tomas Romain (2-1) of Brooklyn, NY will fight Lamont White (1-7, 1 KO) of Washington, DC in a lightweight bout.
THE WEIGH IN WILL BE STREAMED LIVE THIS FRIDAY AT 3 PM ET ON THE RISING PROMOTIONS FACEBOOK PAGE
Tickets for this great evening of boxing are priced at $150, $125, $100, $80 and $55 and can be purchased at www.rspboxing.com
boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Mario Barrios Training Camp Quotes & Photos

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Unbeaten Super Lightweight Faces Mexico’s Jose Luis Rodriguez in Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 & FOX Deportes Action Sunday,
June 11 from The Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, California
 
Click HERE for Photos from TrappFotos/Boxraw.com
 
LANCASTER, CA. (June 8, 2017) – Unbeaten rising contender Mario Barrios shared his thoughts about his training camp and more as he nears a showdown against Mexico’s Jose Luis Rodriguez on Sunday, June 11 in Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes action live from The Pioneer Event Center in Lancaster, California.
Televised coverage begins at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT after the Mexico vs. USA World Cup qualifier on FS1 and FOX Deportes and is headlined by former world champion Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios returning to the ring to take on Mexico’s Aaron Herrera plus undefeated prospect Jose Miguel Borrego will battle once-beaten Kevin Watts in a super lightweight bout.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are priced at $30 and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit the Pioneer Event Center’s website: www.uavpec.com
Here is what Barrios had to say about training camp, his matchup and more:
On fighting Jose Luis Rodriguez:
“Unfortunately, in the last twelve months, I’ve had two opponents come in overweight when I was scheduled to fight on national television.  I was ready to fight both times but my team advised me to cancel the bouts because the fighters were at least 10 pounds above the contracted weight.  Jose Luis Rodriguez is a very tough fighter who went the distant with Felix Verdejo, who many people consider a top prospect.  I just hope Rodriguez makes weight and the fight happens because I’m ready to shine.”
 
On his return to FS1 & FOX Deportes as the co-main event:
“I’m very excited to be returning on FS1 even though I’m not the main-event as I was scheduled to be last month.  My management team once again is putting me in a great position on national television.  In this fight, I’m the co-main event and I’m eager to showcase my talents at super-lightweight.  I’m going to put on a great show for everyone watching.”
On his recent training camp with Virgil Hunter in California…
“Virgil and I are working great together.  I feel I’m constantly getting better with Virgil each and every day we are together.  He’s a great motivator and I’m pushing myself to become a stronger, faster fighter.  I’ve been in camp for the last three months and I’m like a lion ready to come out of his cage.”
On fighting in Lancaster, CA…
“I’ve fought several times in California and the fans out here are incredible.  This will be my first time fighting in Lancaster and I’m expecting the same lively crowd.  The fans are what make this sport go so expect me to come out guns blazing.  I’m going to explosive in this fight.”
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
For more information: visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage, www.foxdeportes.com and www.TGBPromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing,  @TGBPromotions, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxsports andwww.facebook.com/foxdeportes. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

EIGHT TALENTED PROSPECTS RETURN TO SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION ON FRIDAY, JULY 14 QUADRUPLEHEADER

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 Undefeated Keenan Smith and Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk

Meet In Main Event

 

Live on SHOWTIME at 10 p.m. ET/PT

From Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.

 

 

NEW YORK (June 8, 2017) – Undefeated super lightweights Keenan Smith and rising adopted local favorite, Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk meet in an eight-round bout in the main event of a ShoBox: The New Generation quadrupleheader on Friday, July 14 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast) from Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Okla.

 

The ShoBox telecast features eight returning fighters with a combined record of 94 wins against just four losses.

 

Dangerous southpaw “Killa” Smith, (11-0, 5 KOs), of Philadelphia, Pa. will make his second appearance on the series as he takes on Baranchyk, (14-0, 10 KOs), a native of Minsk, Byelorussia fighting out of Miami, Okla., who is making his fifth appearance on the ShoBox series.

 

In the co-feature, former national amateur champion Kenneth Sims Jr. (12-0, 4 KOs) will look to keep his record unblemished as he meets Rolando Chinea (14-1-1, 6 KOs) in an eight-round super lightweight scrap.  Plus, undefeated Glenn Dezurn (9-0, 6 KOs) will take on Adam Lopez (16-1-1, KOs) in an eight-round bantamweight clash.  In the telecast opener, Joshua Greer (13-1-1, 5 KOs) will battle Leroy Davila (5-1, 3 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight bout.

 

“I am excited to put on another terrific ShoBox card,” said Vito Mielnicki, founder of GH3 Promotions. “This is the type of card is what ShoBox is all about.  Four evenly matched pairings that have the potential to be action packed fights.   I think the fans who watch this show will come away thoroughly entertained.”

 

“I’m happy to have the Four State Franchise back on ShoBox,” said Tony Holden. “I am happy to have my fighter Ivan Baranchyk in a real step-up bout against an undefeated fighter southpaw like Keenan Smith. I think this will be a great fight.”

 

Tickets for the event promoted by GH3 Promotions and Tony Holden Productions are priced at $35, $55, $65 and $75 and are available for purchase now at buffalorun.com.

 

KEENAN SMITH vs. IVAN BARANCHYK – Eight-Round Super Lightweight Bout

 

Smith, the 2008 National Golden Gloves Champion and 2007 Junior Olympic National Champion, debuted on ShoBox in November 2016, scoring a hard-fought unanimous decision over Benjamin Whitaker. The 5-foot-7,  26-year-old, will make his third start of the year after taking 2016 off to recover from and ACL injury and the loss of both of his parents within six months of each other. Smith has knocked out both of his opponents this year, Marquis Hawthorne and Edgar Gabejan.

 

“This is a very big fight for me,” said the Smith, who turned pro in 2010. “Perhaps the biggest fight of my career.  I’m stepping up in opposition and I’m ready for what’s to come.  I am training three times a day and I’m in the best shape of my life.

 

“I know Baranchyk comes to fight, but I also know his weaknesses.  I’m ready for his wild swings.  I’m ready to be the main event in a nationally televised fight.  Needless to say, a win will bring bigger and even better opportunities.  I can’t wait.”

 

As an amateur, Smith went 72-4 with victories over Amir Iman and Abel Ramos, who fought Baranchyk in a back-and-forth brawl in his last outing.

 

Baranchyk is an offensive-minded amateur standout that packs power in both hands. He won nine consecutives fights by knockout before scoring a 10-round unanimous decisions over Wilberth Lopez and Zhimin Wang on ShoBox. In his last outing on Feb. 10, Baranchyk edged Abel Ramos in an entertaining slugfest that was closer than the judges’ scorecards indicated.

 

“I am very excited and thankful for the opportunity to come back to fight on ShoBox again,” said the 5-foot-10 Baranchyk. “Smith is a tough fighter and a ShoBox alum himself, so I will enjoy knocking him out.

 

“I’m not going to downplay him – he is a good opponent.  I’ll be alert and I’ll pay attention to what he brings on, but I’m battle-tested.  He hasn’t faced anybody like me.  I’ll gladly hand him his first loss and move a step closer in my pursuit of a world title.”

 

The 24-year-old Baranchyk has scored two first-round knockouts on ShoBox in bouts that lasted a combines 2:49.  All 10 of Baranchyk’s knockouts have come inside three full rounds, including six in the first. This is his sixth start at Buffalo Run Casino.

 

KENETH SIMS JR. vs. ROLANDO CHINEA – Eight-Round Super Lightweight Bout

Sims, a 2013 U.S. National Amateur Champion and a 2012 Olympic Trials semifinalist, continues to step up in level of opposition as he meets one of the most dangerous opponents of his career in his second ShoBox appearance.

 

The Chicago native has stayed active as a pro – he fought four times in 2016 and this will be his third start of 2017. In his last outing, he stopped Israel Villela with a third-round TKO.

 

“I have seen [Rolando] Chinea fight twice.  He is a pressure fighter,” said Sims. “He is nothing that I haven’t seen before.  I’m ready for him.  Another wins keeps me moving forward to my ultimate goal of being a world champion one day.

 

“I wasn’t satisfied with my last performance.  I got the win, but I was not at my best.  A win over someone like Chinea will help me prove I’m better than what you last saw of me.”

 

The 23-year-old Sims was a sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather (when he was getting prepared for Andre Berto) and Manny Pacquiao (as he was getting ready for Mayweather).  He is known for his boxing skills and ability to work the body.

 

Chinea, a 5-foot-8, 26-year-old from Lancaster, Pa., is returning to ShoBox after winning an eight-round split decision victory over O’Shaquie Foster in July of 2016.  He went 10-0-1 before the only loss of his career, an eight-round decision to Ismail Muwendo in April 2015.  He’s won four straight since, including two unanimous decisions over previously undefeated Ladarius Miller and Mel Crossty.

 

“I am honored to be back on ShoBox, where I made my first TV appearance,” said Chinea. “Sims was an accomplished amateur with a deep pedigree.  He is tall with a good reach.  He is a very good boxer, but I’m better.

 

“It’s going to be a rough fight.  I am prepared and in great shape.  A win will get me one step closer to some type of title fight down the line.  I am just looking at right now and getting this win.  By the end of the year, I see myself moving into contention if all goes well.”

 

GLENN DEZURN vs. ADAM LOPEZ – Eight-Round Bantamweight Bout

The undefeated Dezurn was a three-sport star athlete in high school and an amateur standout who compiled an 87-7 record in the unpaid ranks under the tutelage of Barry Hunter.  The Baltimore native is married to female boxer and U.S. Olympic alternate Franchon Crews, who fought Claressa Shields in the amateurs and in her pro debut.  Dezurn returns to ShoBoxafter a toe-to-toe matchup against Leroy Davila on July 14 that could have gone either way.  His former foe, Davila, is featured in the opening bout of the telecast.

 

The 5-foot-4, 29-year-old will face his toughest test to date against ShoBox alum Adam Lopez.

 

“I’m excited to come back to the ring and I’m extremely focused,” said the 29-year-old Dezurn. “My opponent is experienced and had a good amateur career but he doesn’t intimidate me.

 

“Any win takes my career to where I want to go—upwards.  It doesn’t matter that Lopez is more experienced and a regular onShoBox.  My motto is to keep working hard.  I stay focused and I will get where I need to be.  Every win is the same, it’s a step in the right direction.”

 

Lopez, of San Antonio, Texas, by way Phoenix, Ariz., is a prototypical ShoBox prospect-turned-contender.  He’s 3-1-1 on the series, having defeated three previous unbeaten boxers: Mario Muniz (11-0), Eliezer Aquino (17-0-1) and knocking out Pablo Cruz (11-0) in the second round.  Lopez boxed a 12-round draw with Roman Reynoso (18-1-1) on July 22, 2016, and in his most recent outing he was stopped by Daniel Roman in the ninth in a WBA Bantamweight Title Eliminator bout.

 

The 26-year-old now comes back to the series in a must-win situation.  He has left his longtime trainer Ronnie Shields and is now training with Shakur Stevenson’s trainer Willie “Wali” Moses.

 

“I am having a good camp, and I’m now training with Wali Moses,” Lopez said.  “He is helping me sharpen my boxing skills and getting me to use my footwork.  I’m happy to have another chance to be on ShoBox and I know I need to put on a good performance.  They are giving me another chance to prove myself and I can’t let it slip away.

 

“I saw Dezurn’s win over Davila.  He is a rough guy who has a lot of dog in him.  He brings the fight to you and he is a tough.  It’ll be a good fight.  A win will propel me close to where I was.  I was knocking on the door of a title shot; now I just want to get this win, redeem myself and move on.”

 

JOSHUA GREER vs. LEROY DAVILA – Eight-Round Super Bantamweight Bout

Greer is a 22-year-old former Chicago Golden Gloves Champion that has won 10 in a row since his lone loss, a majority decision against Stephen Fulton Jr. in 2015. He has stopped Cristian Renteria in the fifth round and previously unbeaten Juan Gabriel Medina via unanimous decision. Nicknamed “Don’t Blink” after his speed and punching power, Greer returns toShoBox after delivering an impressive performance with KO candidate of the year victory over James Smith.

 

”I was not shocked about my last KO on ShoBox,” said Greer. “I brought a pillow with me to the ring because I knew I was going to put him to sleep.

 

“Davila is an average fighter, but I give him respect.  I treat every opponent as a world title fight.  A win would keep moving my career in the direction I want to go.  It keeps me moving up in the rankings.  It keeps me moving as a potential superstar on my way to a world title.  Don’t Blink.”

 

The two-time national amateur champion and 2006 Olympic alternate Davila is looking to rebound from his loss to Dezurn onShoBox in April—a close fight that could have gone either way.

 

“I am focused on this fight.  I got good feedback from my first ShoBox appearance, even though I didn’t get the win” said Davila.  “Every fight is the same to me, just a different opponent. I put my work in and do my best.

 

“Greer is a tough fighter.  He looks to throw his right hand, which is something to watch for.  Other than that, I don’t know much about him.  A win will make me feel better as a fighter.  I just fight the fights and I let my team take care of the rest.”

# # #

 

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside with Steve Farhood and former world champion Raul Marquez serving as expert analysts. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Rich Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sports follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, #ShoBox or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports.

 

About ShoBox: The New Generation

Since its inception in July 2001, the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME boxing series, ShoBox: The New Generation has featured young talent matched tough. The ShoBox philosophy is to televise exciting, crowd-pleasing and competitive matches while providing a proving ground for willing prospects determined to fight for a world title. Some of the growing list of the 69 fighters who have appeared on ShoBox and advanced to garner world titles includes: Errol Spence Jr., Andre Ward, Deontay Wilder, Erislandy Lara, Shawn Porter, Gary Russell Jr., Lamont Peterson, Guillermo Rigondeaux, Nonito Donaire, Devon Alexander, Carl Froch, Robert Guerrero, Timothy Bradley, Jessie Vargas, Juan Manuel Lopez, Chad Dawson, Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton, Kelly Pavlik, Paul Williams, Errol Spence Jr. and more.

Bounce TV, boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

Super Welterweight Contender Julian Williams Battles Once-Beaten Joshua Conley in Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce Action Friday, June 30 from the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio

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Plus! Unbeaten Welterweight Prospects Jamontay Clark & Ivan Golub Battle in Undercard Showdown
 
Televised Coverage on Bounce Starts at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT
 
TOLEDO, OH (June 8, 2017) – Super welterweight contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams(22-1-1, 14 KOs) will match-up against once-beaten Joshua Conley (14-1-1, 9 KOs) in televised action on Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce live from the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio on Friday, June 30.
Televised coverage begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and will feature unbeaten welterweight prospects Jamontay Clark (11-0, 7 KOs) and Ivan Golub (13-0, 11 KOs) squaring-off in an eight-round matchup. The June 30 event is headlined by unbeaten lightweight world champion Robert Easter making his second title defense against mandatory challenger Denis Shafikov.
“I am definitely excited to get back in the ring,” said Williams. “I can’t wait. It feels like it has been two years, not six months. I took my loss on the chin. I tried to learn as much as possible from it and I’m moving forward. Conley is a solid fighter. He only has one loss and it was to Daquan Arnett, who is another good fighter. I know he is coming to win. If he beats me, it opens a lot of doors and takes him to the next stage of his career so I have to come prepared.”
“This is a great opportunity for my career and I feel like a win here puts me on the list of up-and-coming 154-pound fighters,” said Conley. “Training camp has been going well. I’m ready to do whatever it takes. I know that it’s going to be a tough fight. I expect Julian to come out fast and try to prove something, but I’m going to stay composed and do what I have to do.”
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by About Billions Promotions in association with Warriors Boxing, are priced at $225 $125, $100, $75, $55 and $35, and are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-745-3000.
The 27-year-old Williams earned his first world title shot last year after defeating Marcello Matano to become the top contender before eventually falling short against unbeaten Jermall Charlo. Fighting out of Philadelphia, Williams has been highly regarded since a strong amateur career and proved his worth in the pro ranks by stopping veterans Arman Ovsepyan and Luciano Cuello in addition to a shutout victory over Joey Hernandez. He returns to the ring on June 30 looking to put himself in position for another world title opportunity.
Fighting out of San Bernadino, California, Conley enters this bout have won his last three contests, including two stoppage victories last year against Juan Manuel Mares and Adrian Arenas. The 25-year-old was unbeaten in his first 12 pro starts and his only blemish came via a split decision against Daquan Arnett in 2015. He will make his 2017 debut when he enters the ring against Williams on June 30.
An unbeaten prospect from Cincinnati, the “Quiet Assassin” Clark picked up two victories in 2016 over increasingly quality competition as he stopped Elvin Perez in six rounds and earned a unanimous decision over Edgar Ortega. The 22-year-old made his 2017 debut in March and stopped Gaku Takahashi in the seventh round of a fight on FS1 and FOX Deportes.
Originally from Ukraine but now fighting out of Brooklyn, Golub has fought exclusively in the U.S. since turning pro and comes off of a stoppage victory over veteran James Stevenson last September. The 28-year-old southpaw has stopped his last seven opponents inside of the distance as he enters this fight on June 30.
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For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, follow on Twitter@PremierBoxing, @RobertEaster_Jr, @BounceTV, and @Swanson_Comm and follow the conversation using #PBConBounce, become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.Facebook.com/BounceTV. PBC on Bounce is sponsored by Corona: La Cerveza Mas Fina.
Bounce is the fastest-growing African-American (AA) network on television and airs on the broadcast signals of local television stations and corresponding cable carriage. The network features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and more.  Bounce has grown to be available in more than 94 million homes across the United States and 93% of all African American television homes, including all of the top AA television markets.  Among the founders of Bounce are iconic American figures Martin Luther King, III and Ambassador Andrew Young.
For local channel location, visit BounceTV.com.