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boxing, Premier Boxing Champions

Jermall Charlo Vacates IBF Junior Middleweight World Title

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After Going Undefeated At 154 Pounds, Charlo
Moves To 160 pounds In Search of Bigger Challenges And World Title In
Tough Middleweight Division
 
HOUSTON, TEXAS (FEBRUARY 16, 2017) – Undefeated champion Jermall Charlo relinquished the IBF junior middleweight title this afternoon in order to pursue bigger challenges and another world championship in the middleweight division.
Charlo, 26, who lives and trains in Houston, has a sterling record of 25-0 with 19 KOs. He won the title with a TKO victory over Cornelius Bundrage on Sept. 12, 2015, and successfully defended it three times, defeating Wilky Campfort, former 154-pound champion Austin Trout and top contender Julian Williams. Charlo leaves the division after an impressive KO victory over Williams at the Galen Center on the USC campus in Los Angeles on Dec. 10, 2016.
Tony Harrison (24-1, 20 KOs) and Jarrett Hurd (19-0, 13 KOs) will battle for the vacant IBF 154-pound title on the undercard of Deontay Wilder defending his heavyweight title against Gerald Washington on primetime on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes at the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama on Saturday, February 25. Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Charlo’s twin brother, Jermell, still has the WBC 154-pound title and will defend it against Charles Hatley at the MGM National Harbor in Maryland on Saturday, March 11.
“I’ve been thinking about moving to 160 pounds for a while now,” Charlo said. “It was a struggle for me to make the weight for the last title fight. Once I captured the title I defended it immediately, because I wasn’t sure how long I could hold the weight. I held it an extra year to fight Austin Trout and Julian Williams. I feel there are bigger and better things for me at 160 where I can still hold my weight and be stronger. The idea of being a two-time world champion is a big goal for me.
“If there were a big fight at 154 pounds left for me, I’d stick around and wait for it. But there isn’t anything there that can be made quickly. And I wouldn’t fight my brother or my gym mate and close friend, Erislandy Lara.”
Charlo’s trainer, Ronnie Shields, is in favor of the move up to a higher division.
“It’s a move that has to be made,” said Shields. “He was definitely having trouble making that weight. No sense in holding himself down in making that weight. Going up to 160 pounds is a must. I think he does well there. He’s big enough to handle the weight. It’s not like we have to do anything special to compete at 160 pounds. That’s basically what he is – a middleweight.”
Charlo doesn’t anticipate any problems with moving up. He plans to make his middleweight debut soon.
“I’ve been training for a couple weeks now. It’s like a mini-camp. I’ve been shaking out,” Charlo said. “We’re looking at May to be completely ready. I’m a big athlete already. I’m just looking forward to taking my superstar status and competing with the big boys up there.”

 

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 Terry Flanagan – Petr Petrov press conference video and Pictures

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philadelphia, PA / Manchester, UK (February 16, 2017)–Below is the video plus pictures from Wednesday’s Press Conference announcing the Terry Flanagan – Petr Petrov WBO World Lightweight championship bout that will take place at The Manchester Arena onSaturday, April 8th.
There was a photo shoot inside and outside the famed Manchester City Football Stadium
Media outlets may use the video on their digital platforms by copy/paste the embedded link.
Embedded Link:  <iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/AixgeFYX5Ks” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Erislandy Lara Gains U.S Citizenship

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HOUSTON, TX (February 16, 2017) – WBA and IBO super-welterweight champion, Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara, is truly living the American dream since he has now completed all the eligibility requirements to become a U.S citizen.  Erislandy, along with his wife Yudi, took an oath of allegiance to the United States today, solidifying their citizenship.
Lara, who made his U.S. boxing debut in Primm, Nevada, in January of 2009, is elated about gaining his U.S. citizenship.  He reflects on the long journey it took to become a U.S citizen.
“When I arrived in the United States in 2008, my main goal was to become a citizen of this great nation.” said Erislandy Lara.  “It brings me great joy to know that I am now a legal citizen of the United States of America.  It’s been a long journey to get where I’m at today, and I couldn’t have done it without my beautiful wife Yudi.  Together, we fulfilled all the legal requirements that were mandated to become a U.S citizen.”
“Living in here in the States has been a tremendous blessing to me and my family.” Lara continued. “With hard work, and the help of many good people around me, I’ve been able to provide for my loved ones.  My goal is to continue my boxing career with my core team, and someday, God willing, become a Boxing Hall of Famer.”
boxing

Greg Cohen Promotions Signs Heavyweight Contender Joey Dawejko to a Promotional Agreement

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Greg Cohen Promotions proudly announces the signing of heavyweight contender Joey Dawejko (17-4-3, 10 KOs).

Dawejko (pronounced Da-Vayko) of Philadelphia, has been a classic underachiever, thus far, in his professional career, but says the addition of Cohen as his promoter is just one of the changes he has made.

The 26-year-old Philadelphian has always been a talent but, admittedly, hasn’t always been in the best shape for his fights. “My manager, Mark Cipparone, changed my life,” he explained. “I used to take fights on a week’s notice for no money, so I never gave it 100%. Plus, I was working 12-14 hours a day as a roofer. The first day I got with him, I told him I can’t make the gym today because I’m going to be working and couldn’t get there in time. He said ‘Quit. This is your full-time job now.'”

“Everything is going to be different from now on,” said Dawejko. “I’m a different person, a different fighter, different everything and I’m getting a lot better. I have a new team and I’m training out in Los Angeles. I’m living a new life and happy to finally be working with Greg Cohen. He can get me the big fights I need. It’s going to be great because I just need a chance at another big-name opponent.”

Despite his relatively young 26 years, Dawejko has been boxing since age nine, where he debuted as a junior flyweight. The lifelong experience enables him to use his 5′ 10″ height to work move in under the punches of today’s heavyweight giants and do solid work. He managed to hold top contender Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller to a draw in 2013.

It was a decision loss to top contender Amir Mansour in 2015, however, that brought him forward leaps and bounds as a fighter.

“It was my first 10-round fight and I just wasn’t myself that night. It cost me a loss, but it was probably a good thing because I learned so much from that fight. As soon as it was over, I was a better fighter. I realized what I have to do better and different.”

“Joey is still young for a heavyweight,” said Greg Cohen. “In the past, he hasn’t been as well-prepared as he should have been and still managed to beat almost everyone he faced. A focused and determined Joey Dawejko is a problem for anyone in the world and I’m 100% sure Joey can win a world title. I’m excited to be guiding his career along with his dedicated manager, Mark Cipparone.”

Dawejko says that while he’s happy to be away from the distractions of home to train and finally in a position to reach his potential, he misses his young and growing family.

“My fiancée is home with my children. I have three girls, age 11, 4 and one that is 2 in April. Plus, I’ve got another on the way. Its’ tough being away from them. I’m giving it all for them.”
Bellator, mixed martial arts, MMA, Spike TV

BELLATOR 172 COMPETITORS TAKE US BEHIND THE SCENES PRIOR TO SATURDAY NIGHT’S SHOWDOWN AT SAP CENTER IN SAN JOSE

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SAN JOSE, CALIF. (Feb. 16, 2017) – We are just days away from one of the most highly anticipated heavyweight battles in Bellator MMA history, as Fedor Emelianenko (36-4, 1 NC) and Matt Mitrione (11-5) headline a massive main card at Bellator 172. Once again, Bellator’s digital team has put together a collection of exclusive new content in preparation of Saturday’s festivities at SAP Center. If you’re searching for a deeper look inside these competitors’ road to the main event, join us as we explore some fantastic behind-the-scenes footage available now on Bellator’s dynamic YouTube page.

 

The Legend of Fedor’s Sweater

Fedor’s monumental career goes hand-in-hand with his “Glorious Sweater of Absolute Victory.” Adam Carolla and others chime in on the Russian slugger’s mysterious attire.

 What to Watch: Fedor vs. Mitrione

Bellator 172 features a must-watch heavyweight main event between Fedor Emelianenko and Matt Mitrione, but before the two meet inside the cage Jimmy Smith covers what’s at stake.

 

Backstage With Fedor Emelianenko

Let’s go backstage with one of the game’s greatest and take a closer look at the initial signing that took place at the promotion’s last event in San Jose at Bellator 165.

 Sit Down With Matt Mitrione

Heavyweight superstar Matt Mitrione sits down with us to discuss his upcoming main event showdown with the legendary Fedor.

 

In Focus: Josh Thomson

We take a closer look at Josh Thomson’s story and close relationship with Bellator MMA President Scott Coker in the latest edition of In Focus.

 

FIGHT INFO:                     The evening’s main event features a highly anticipated heavyweight slugfest pitting the legendary Fedor Emelianenko (36-4, 1 NC) against Matt Mitrione (11-5).

 

San Jose’s own Josh Thomson (22-8, 1 NC) returns to the Bellator MMA cage to take on veteran knockout artistPatricky “Pitbull” (16-8) in a lightweight co-main clash. Fans can also experience a heavyweight feature fight pittingCheick Kongo (25-10-2) against British phenom Oli Thompson (17-9) and a female flyweight fight pairing Veta Arteaga (2-1) against Brooke Mayo (Debut). Lastly, a welterweight showdown pitting Josh Koscheck (17-10) againstMauricio Alonso (12-7, 1 NC) rounds out the Spike-televised main card action.

 

Bellator 172: Fedor vs. Mitrione airs live and free on SPIKE at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, while preliminary bouts will stream live on Bellator.com and The Bellator Mobile App. Very few tickets remain and they can be purchased at the SAP Center Box Office, as well as Ticketmaster.com and Bellator.com.

 

Complete Bellator 172: Fedor vs. Mitrione SPIKE-Televised Main Card:

Heavyweight Main Event: Fedor Emelianenko (36-4, 1 NC) vs. Matt Mitrione (11-5)

Lightweight Feature Fight: Josh Thomson (22-8, 1 NC) vs. Patricky “Pitbull” (16-8)

Heavyweight Feature Fight: Cheick Kongo (25-10-2) vs. Oli Thompson (17-9)

Flyweight Feature Fight: Veta Arteaga (2-1) vs. Brooke Mayo (Debut)

Welterweight Feature Fight: Josh Koscheck (17-10) vs. Mauricio Alonso (12-7, 1 NC)

 

Bellator.com-Streamed Preliminary Card:

Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Anatoly Tokov (24-2) vs. Francisco France (13-4-1)

Welterweight Prelim Bout: James Terry (18-9) vs. J.C. Llamas (8-5)

Lightweight Prelim Bout: Nikko Jackson (1-1) vs. Cesar Gonzalez (0-1)

Featherweight Prelim Bout: Juan Cardenas (1-0) vs. Luis Vargas (0-1)

Welterweight Prelim Bout: Dominic Sumner (1-0) vs. Abraham Vaesau (1-0)

Flyweight Prelim Bout: Anthony Do (4-1) vs. Bobby Escalante (4-5)

Flyweight Prelim Bout: Matt Ramirez (1-2) vs. Jeremy Murphy (3-3)

Lightweight Prelim Bout: J.J. Okanovich (3-1) vs. Zach Andrews (5-1)

Featherweight Prelim Bout: Abner Perez (Debut) vs. Gaston Bolanos (Debut)

Featherweight Prelim Bout: Justin Tenedora (Debut) vs. Roque Reyes (0-3)

Middleweight Prelim Bout: Martin Sano (4-2) vs. Diego Herzog (4-2)

boxing, Fox, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Clash Between Hard-Hitting Tony Harrison and Undefeated Jarrett Hurd Is Now For The Vacant IBF Junior Middleweight World Title

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Clash Between Hard-Hitting Tony Harrison and
Undefeated Jarrett Hurd Is Now For The
Vacant IBF Junior Middleweight World Title
 
The 12-Round, 154-Pound Title Battle Is Part of A Stacked Show To Be Televised in Prime Time
 
Live on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX &
FOX Deportes at8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
 
Saturday, February 25 From Legacy Arena in
Birmingham, Alabama
 
BIRMINGHAM, AL (February 16, 2017) – The stakes have been raised in the already highly-charged junior middleweight showdown betweenTony Harrison (24-1, 20 KOs) and Jarrett Hurd (19-0, 13 KOs). The clash between Harrison and Hurd has been elevated to a battle for the vacant IBF 154-pound world title and is part of an exciting night of action Saturday, February 25.  on Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes.
The title become vacant after titlist Jermall Charlo dropped the belt to move up to middleweight to seek bigger challenges in a new division.
Televised coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT live from Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham, Alabama and is headlined by undefeated heavyweight world champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder defending his title in his home state for the fourth time, as he faces undefeated contender Gerald Washington.
“These guys have already shown their mettle by agreeing to fight each other – No. 2 versus No. 3 – for the No. 1 spot,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “Having this match be for a world title is a great reward for two young guys who have shown a willingness to face each other.”
“Boxing writers and fans are already buzzing about Harrison versus Hurd, an explosive matchup,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “The winner will now be the IBF champion, bringing greatly increased significance to what should already be a war.”
The 26-year-old Harrison comes into this fight after scoring an explosive ninth-round stoppage of Sergey Rabchenko in July that put him in line for the world title. Harrison, who took down Cecil McCalla, Fernando Guerrero and Rabchenko in his last three contests, faces a tough challenge in the undefeated Hurd. The Detroit-native was unbeaten in his first 21 pro fights and recorded 10-straight knockouts between 2013 and 2015.
“I’ve been waiting on this for a long time. This the biggest shot of my life. It’s like my son being born all over again,” Harrison said. “This just made the fight that much more interesting. As a boxer this is what you dream of – the day you fight for a world title. Santa came early. We’re both 26 years old. It’s a dream come true for both of us. It doesn’t change the approach. It just makes it much sweeter and puts that much more respect on the winner of this fight.”
“This is the moment every boxer dreams of, becoming the world champion,” said Hurd. “I finally get that opportunity on the big stage – on the Deontay Wilder heavyweight championship card and on FOX in prime time on national TV. I’m blessed. I want to thank everyone for getting me to this point. Tony Harrison is a great fighter. It’s not going to be an easy fight. Tony Harrison is top-level competition and I’m a top level competitor. Two great fighters going after something they want.  But I have to say my pants are falling and I need my belt.”
Hurd fights out of Accokeek, Md., just south of Washington, D.C. and is perfect since entering the pro ranks in 2012. The 26-year-old defeated three straight unbeaten fighters, including a sixth-round stoppage of Frank Galarza in 2015 and a 10th round TKO over Oscar Molina in the co-main event of the Keith Thurman vs. Shawn Porter card in June 2016. Most recently, Hurd stopped former title challenger Jo Jo Dan in the sixth-round of their fight in November of last year, positioning himself to fight for the title.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by DiBella Entertainment and TBG Promotions in association with Bruno Event Team, start at $25 (not including applicable fees) and are on sale now. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and by visiting AlabamaTitleFight.com.
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.com,www.dbe1.com,http://www.tgbpromotions.com/http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/FoxSports andwww.Facebook.com/FoxDeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Final.
boxing, Fox, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Heavyweight Izuagbe Ugonoh Ready To Power His Way Onto The World Championship Scene With An Explosive Performance Against Hard-Hitting Dominic Breazeale

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 Premier Boxing Champions in Primetime On FOX & FOX Deportes On February 25 At Legacy Arena In Birmingham, Alabama
 
The Polish Contender Makes U.S. Debut On The Undercard Of Deontay Wilder Defending His WBC Heavyweight Title Against Unbeaten Gerald Washington
 
Click HERE for Photos from Premier Boxing Champions
LAS VEGAS (FEB. 15, 2017) – You may not have heard of Izuagbe Ugonoh…yet. But the Polish-born heavyweight contender plans to change that when he takes on Dominic Breazeale in a 10-round match on the undercard of WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder’s title defense against Gerald Washington in primetime on FOX and FOX Deportes, at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama on Feb. 25.
“I’m looking forward to displaying my skills and letting the U.S. boxing fans get a look at what I’m bringing to the heavyweight division,” Ugonoh said. “I’m very excited to be making my U.S. debut in primetime on FOX and FOX Deportes. Dominic Breazeale is a tough opponent, but he is also the kind of boxer that will allow me to put on an entertaining show for the fans in the arena and those watching on FOX and FOX Deportes.”
Ugonoh, who prefers to be called Izu (pronounced E-Zoo), has a unique blend of athleticism, speed and power that he honed as a kickboxing champion in Poland before switching over to boxing in 2010. Starting with his match against the hard-hitting Breazeale (17-1, 15 KOs), Ugonoh has an ambitious timetable as he works his way toward fighting for a boxing world title.
“This is my moment and 2017 is my year,” Ugonoh said. “I want to challenge myself and show the world how good I am. I believe the heavyweight division is wide open right now, and the top fighters are going to bring the best out of me. If I do what I’m supposed to do, I can see myself fighting for a world championship in the next 18 months.”
“I’ve been hearing great things about Izu internationally for years,” said Tom Brown of TGB Promotions. “He’s a big, strong athletic heavyweight with good power. But Dominic isn’t a pushover. Plus, he is coming off his first loss. He is in a make or break type fight. It’s the classic case of a guy with something to prove against a guy with a lot to lose.”
The 30-year-old Ugonoh was born in Szczecin, Poland, to Nigerian parents, and has a 17-0 record with 14 knockouts. Ugonoh has a master’s degree from Jedrzej Sniadecki School of Physical Education and Sports in Gdansk, Poland. He grew up playing soccer, before focusing on becoming an elite, all-around fighter by training in kickboxing, boxing and martial arts.
“Izu is a big, physically imposing, strong heavyweight who, while virtually unknown here, has developed a reputation abroad,” said Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment. “In his first fight on American soil, he will take on a legitimate heavyweight contender and world title challenger in Dominic Breazeale. We’re going to find out in Birmingham whether Izu is the real thing; if he’s able to shine, the mystery man is an immediate factor in the heavyweight division.”
Not afraid to step out of his realm, Ugonoh was a contestant on the past season of “Dancing With the Stars” in Poland, making it to the final two rounds.
“It was a lot of work,” he said. “I trained for 35 hours a week to dance for 1 minute 15 seconds on the show. Dancing was more work than boxing,” he laughed. “People laugh when I say that because they think I’m joking, but it was as much work as training camp. One of the key benefits is it improved my footwork in the ring.”
Ugonoh is trained by Kevin Barry, the corner man for WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker and former heavyweight title challenger David Tua. Ugonoh has been fighting out of New Zealand for the last two years, but now he will train in Las Vegas and is ready to make a name for himself in the U.S.
With Barry in his corner, Ugonoh is anxious to power his way into the heavyweight championship ranks.
For more information, visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.alabamatitlefight.com,www.dbe1.com,http://www.tgbpromotions.com/http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepageand foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @BronzeBomber, @FOXSports, @FOXDeportes, @LouDiBella and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxing, www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment, www.Facebook.com/FoxSports andwww.Facebook.com/FoxDeportes. Follow the conversation using #PBConFOX. PBC on FOX is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Final.
boxing

Alvarez represents shortest road to Bute’s 14th world title fight

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
“BUTE VS. ALVAREZ”
Live on PPV in North America
Feb. 24 at Videotron Centre of Quebec City
Lucian Bute (L) is fighting for a chance at his 14th world title fight
MONTREAL (February 16, 2017) – Former world super middleweight champion Lucian Bute plans to parlay his February 24th Canadian showdown with undefeated World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver light heavyweight champion Eleider “Storm” Alvarez into his 14th world title fight later this year.
The 36-year-old Bute (32-3-1, 25 KOs) is challenging Colombia-native Alvarez (21-0, 10 KOs) for his WBC Silver title belt in the 12-round main event headlining “BUTE VS. ALVAREZ”, promoted by Groupe Yvon Michel (GYM) and Gestev, a presentation of Videotron and Mise-O-Jeu, at Videotron Centre in Quebec City, Canada.
Bute also hopes to become the first Romanian-born boxer to capture world titles in two different weight classes as the Bute-Alvarez winner in this final WBC eliminator will become the mandatory challenger for his GYM stablemate, reigning WBC and lineal light heavyweight champion Adonis “Superman” Stevenson (28-1-0, 23 KOs).
Integrated Sports Media will distribute “BUTE VS. ALVAREZ” live in the United States, starting at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, on cable, satellite and internet pay-per-view via iN Demand, Vubiquity, DIRECTV, DISH and the FITE app for a suggested retail price of only $29.95.
In Canada, “BUTE VS. ALVAREZ” will be available to watch, in English or French, on Canal Indigo, Shaw TV and Bell TV; English-only on Rodgers PPV, as well as in many of the top Canadian sports bars.
Outside of North America, “BUTE VS ALVAREZ” is being distributed by leading boxing television rights distribution firm, Protocol Sports Marketing Ltd.
Bute was one of the world’s top pound-for-pound fighters for nearly five years (Oct. 19, 2007-May 26, 2012) as the International Boxing Federation (IBF) 168-pound division champion.  The classy southpaw is 10-2-1 (8 KOs) in world title fights and he has defeated six world champions: Dingaan Thobela, Sakio Bika, Alejandro Berrio, William Joppy, Brian Magee and Glen Johnson during his outstanding 13-year pro boxing career.
Now ranked No. 7 by the WBC, Bute is as hungry as he’s every been for one more world title shot opportunity.  “I am fighting an undefeated Olympian who is the No. 1 ranked light heavyweight,” Bute said.  “A win will conform that I deserve a 14th world championship fight.  It means everything to me.  I took this fight because it’s the shortest road for me to get a world title shot.
“I expect a technical fight.  Alvarez is gifted and he has a good jab, but my experience and speed will make the difference.  I will definitely win!”
Tickets for “BUTE VS. ALVAREZ” are on sale and available to purchase by going on line to www.Videotron.centrequebeccity.cpm/tickets and www.Ticketmaster.ca
 
 
 
 
 
 
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @yvonmichelgym, @gestevinc, @IntegratedPPV  #ButeAlvarez
Follow these fighters on Twitter: @Stormalvarez, @Butelucian
boxing

Roy Jones – Bobby Gunn Press Conference quotes

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“Skill vs. Will”

LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW–FRIDAY FEBRUARY 17TH
Wilmington, DE (February 16, 2017)–Below are quotes from Wednesday’s press conference in advance of Friday night’s “Skill vs. Will” Pay-Per-View showdown between Roy, Jones, Jr. and Bobby Gunn.
Roy Jones Jr.
On Bobby Gunn as an opponent:
“The thing I stand for and respect and represent – I love a person who won’t quit, and [Bobby Gunn] won’t quit for nothing. He has 72 wins with 72 knockouts – bare-knuckle – you’re really a professional bully! You just beat people up for the hell of it… It’s what I love. People ask why I’m so motivated to fight Bobby Gunn – it’s because what I stand for in boxing, he is in bare-knuckle. I respect that.”
On the opportunity to be in the ring on Friday:
“We are getting an opportunity to share the ring, and entertain the people while we share the ring, and I am at-heart an entertainer. And this man is a killer. I’m not saying that this man is not a killer, it’s just that I trust in my abilities to go out and do things differently because that’s who I am.”
On his conditioning:
“I am in very good shape for the first time in four or five years. I feel better than I have felt in a long time. I know I have my hands full, and I know my hands are ready for battle. I know this man is coming to bring it. But that’s what we live for; that’s what we love. Come Friday night be ready for a very entertaining fight.”
Bobby Gunn


On Roy Jones Jr. as an opponent:
I’m born and bred a fighting man, since birth. I’m fighting one of the greatest fighters who ever lived. I’ve seen a lot of horsesh!t on the Internet, people running him down. Saying he’s too old, this or that. Why don’t you guys get in the ring and fight him, then? Let me tell you something right now – I respect him more today than [the fighter he was] 20 years ago. Because he’s more dangerous, he’s cagey, he’s a veteran. There’s nothing you can do to him he hasn’t seen.”
On his mental and physical condition coming into the fight:
“I’m coming here to fight my guts out. I’m in good shape. I’ve been training hard for this one for a long time – this man’s been in my head a long time. I go to sleep with Roy, and I wake up with Roy. He’s part of my family, we’re sick of talking about Roy. I can’t wait to see him Friday night and get it over with! I’m coming here to fight.”
On critics of the matchup:
“In a few days here, me and Roy are going to battle. We’re doing to prove a lot of critics wrong, a lot of doubters. When that bell rings, it’s only me and him in there. To be honest with you, critics mean zero. Their opinions mean nothing… [Roy Jones Jr.] said he’d come and fight me, and he’s here. He has the heart of the lion. But we’re going to get it down. I’ll shake your hand today, but I’ll tell you [to Jones Jr.] we’re in for a good fight, both of us. Roy Jones won’t forget my name for the rest of his life.”

In the main event the legendary Roy Jones, Jr. takes on Bare Knuckle legend Bobby Gunn for the WBF Cruiserweight title LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW at the Chase Center in Wilmington, Delaware.
Media Week Schedule 
 
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16TH–OFFICIAL WEIGH IN–DELAWARE PARK CASINO–6PM

5:00 PM–Media Check in
6:00 PM–Fighters on the scales

Delaware Park Casino
777 Delaware Park Blvd.
Wilmington, Delaware 19720

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH–FIGHT NIGHT–THE CHASE CENTER

6:00 PM–Doors Open
7:00 PM–1st bout
9:00 PM–Pay Per View Broadcast begins

The Chase Center
815 Justison Street
Wilmington, Delaware  19801

Scheduled to be in attendance are former Heavyweight champions Larry Holmes, Tim Witherspoon, Michael Spinks and Tyson Fury
boxing

THOMAS HEARNS HEADLINES STAR-LADEN CLASS OF INDUCTEES INTO NEVADA BOXING HALL OF FAME

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Spinks brothers, Michael Carbajal, Erik Morales and Salvador Sanchez are also among the greats to be honored Aug. 12 at Caesars Palace.  
 
LAS VEGAS – Former world champion Thomas Hearns, who along with Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Roberto Duran dominated boxing in the 1980s and became known collectively as “The Four Kings,” headlines a 14-person class of inductees into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame, Hall CEO/president Michelle Corrales-Lewis announced Wednesday.
Hearns was chosen in the non-Nevada resident boxer category, along with Michael Spinks, Erik Morales, Michael Carbajal, women’s boxing star Lucia Rijker and Salvador Sanchez. Elected in the Nevada resident boxer category was Ken Norton, Leon Spinks and Richie Sandoval.
Chosen in the non-boxer category were referee Davey Pearl, public relations specialist Debbie Munch, promoter Mel Greb, trainer/cut man Rafael Garcia and Nevada Athletic Commission chair Dr. Elias Ghanem.
Norton, Sanchez, Greb and Ghanem will be inducted posthumously.
The members of the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame’s star-studded fifth-induction class will be honored at a gala dinner at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on Saturday, Aug. 12. Ticket will be released Thursday, February 16th at 12pm on NVBHOF.com .
“We are very proud of this class of inductees, and it contains some of the greatest fighters who ever lived,” Corrales-Lewis said. “I’m looking forward to our gala dinner when we can honor these richly deserving people and allow their fans to say hello.”
Hearns was one of the standouts during the 1980s and participated in a series of great bouts in Las Vegas with Leonard, Hagler and Duran. His 1985 bout with Hagler at Caesars Palace is still regarded by many as the greatest fight in boxing history.
The Spinks brothers, Michael and Leon, become the first set of brothers inducted into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. Both won gold medals for the U.S. at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal and then went on to win world titles in the pros.
Norton, known primarily for a series of close bouts with the legendary Muhammad Ali, also competed in one of the great heavyweight title bouts ever. He lost the WBC title by a razor-thin decision to Larry Holmes in 1978, among the finest heavyweight championship fights ever held.
Pearl was among the best referees of all-time and worked more than 70 championship bouts. He was the referee for both Leon Spinks’ shocking 1978 upset of Ali as well as for Leonard’s dramatic 14th-round knockout of Hearns in 1981.
The Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame is an IRS 501 (c)3 charity and all donations are tax deductible. The Hall’s charitable contributions over the five years since its formation have helped boxers in need and boxing-related charities. Donations are welcome.
The Hall was founded in 2013 by noted boxing broadcaster Rich Marotta.
For more information, phone 702-3NVBHOF, or 702-368-2463.
BIOGRAPHIES OF THE NEW HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Michael Carbajal – Best known as the first junior flyweight to earn a $1 million purse, Carbajal won world titles at junior flyweight and flyweight. Known as “Little Hands of Stone” for his punching power, Carbajal was 49-4 with 33 KOs.
His rivalry with Humberto “Chiquita” Gonzalez was one of the best of the early 1990s and their 1993 fight was The Ring Magazine Fight of the Year. In 2004, The Ring named Carbajal as the best junior flyweight in history.
He was 98-10 as an amateur and won a silver medal at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.
 
Thomas Hearns – Hearns, 58, won recognized world titles at welterweight, super welterweight, middleweight, super middleweight and light heavyweight during a career in which he went 61-5-1 with 48 KOs.
He’s most remembered for his savage three-round battle with Hagler in 1985, but he participated in many of the decade’s biggest and most electric bouts. He fought in Las Vegas 16 times, going 11-4-1 with nine knockouts.
Erik Morales – One of the most exciting fighters of the early part of the 2000s, Morales is best known for his series of outstanding fights with arch rival Marco Antonio Barrera. Morales went 52-9 with 36 knockouts but is best known for his trilogy with Barrera, two of which were named Ring Fight of the year.
Morales won major world titles at super bantamweight, featherweight, super featherweight and super lightweight, becoming the first Mexican born fighter to win titles in four weight classes.
He also engaged in a spectacular trilogy with Manny Pacquiao, beating him in the first and dropping the last two.
Ken Norton – Though he was the heavyweight champion before losing his belt to Larry Holmes in one of the great title bouts ever, Norton was best known for his three fights with the legendary Muhammad Ali. Norton defeated Ali in 1973 in San Diego in their first bout, breaking Ali’s jaw.
Ali won the two subsequent bouts, including a 1976 match at Yankee Stadium for the title. Some observers believe Norton deserved to win all three fights.
The Holmes fight was sensational and the two men stood in the center of the ring at Caesars and slugged it out in the 15th and final round.
Lucia Rijker – Rijker is regarded as one of, if not the best, women boxers in history. She was 17-0 with 14 knockouts in boxing and was 37-0-1 with 25 knockouts as a kick boxer.
In her boxing career, she scored dominant wins over the likes of Jane Couch, Marcela Acuna and Chevelle Hallback.
She later appeared in the Oscar-winning film, “Million Dollar Baby.“
Salvador Sanchez – Sanchez tragically died in an auto accident in Mexico at just 23 years old, robbing the world of one of the elite fighters in history well before his time. Sanchez was 44-1-1 with 32 knockouts and was the lineal featherweight champion from 1980 until his death in 1982.
He won the title by knocking out Danny “Little Red” Lopez, but is best known for a dominating eighth-round stoppage of Wilfredo Gomez. Gomez was 33-0 with 32 knockouts but was no match for Sanchez.
Richie Sandoval – Sandoval held the bantamweight title for two years, but his career, as great as it was, is a question of what might have been. He was a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic boxing team, but he lost his chance at a medal when President Carter decided to boycott the Games in Moscow.
Sandoval won the first 29 fights of his pro career, racking up 17 knockouts, and beat the great Jeff Chandler for the bantamweight belt.
But tragically, Sandoval suffered serious boxing related injuries in a 1986 bout with Gaby Canizales and was forced to retire.
Leon Spinks – Spinks is most known for upsetting Muhammad Ali  in 1978 in just his eighth pro fight to win the heavyweight championship. He lost the title in a rematch and failed in two other attempts to win a title. He was stopped by Larry Holmes in a heavyweight title fight in 1981 and lost a cruiserweight title challenge in Reno to Dwight Muhammad Qawi in 1986.
A colorful figure known as “Neon” Leon, he was an acclaimed amateur who was 178-7 with 133 KOs and the light heavyweight gold at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal.
He finished his professional career with a 26-17-3 mark and 14 KOs.
 
Michael Spinks – Spinks was 31-1 in his career and won both the light heavyweight and heavyweight titles. He moved up from light heavyweight to defeat Larry Holmes at the Riviera in 1985, denying Holmes the opportunity to go 49-0 and match Rocky Marciano’s record.
He won the light heavyweight title in his 17th pro fight in 1981 at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas when he bested the much more experienced Eddie Mustafa Muhammad. Spinks held the light heavyweight title for four years, before giving it up to move to heavyweight to fight Holmes.
A 1976 Olympic gold medalist, Spinks‘ only pro loss came in his final fight when he was knocked out by Mike Tyson in a bout for the undisputed heavyweight title.
NON-BOXER INDUCTEE BIOGRAPHIES
Rafael Garcia – Garcia, 87, is best known for his cap he wears festooned with pins and for working as Floyd Mayweather’s hand wrapper. But he had a long career as both a cut man and a trainer and was outstanding at both. He worked with elite fighters such as Mayweather, Roberto Duran, Alexis Arguello and Wilfredo Gomez.
Dr. Elias Ghanem – Ghanem as the long-time chairman of the Nevada Athletic Commission, and was responsible for helping it to earn the moniker, “The greatest commission in the world.”
Ghanem, a physician whose patients once included Elvis Presley, played a key role in the hearings after Mike Tyson bit Evander Holyfield, and also was instrumental in bringing the Oscar De La Hoya-Felix Trinidad bout to Las Vegas in 1999.
Mel Greb – Known as “The father of professional boxing in Southern Nevada,” Greb was a promoter and matchmaker who first brought Muhammad Ali to Nevada. Then known as Cassius Clay, Greb promoted Ali’s seventh pro fight in 1961. That week, he introduced Ali to wrestler “Gorgeous” George, and Ali patterned himself after George in many ways.
Greb died in 1996 at 75  years old.
Debbie Munch – Caesars Palace in Las Vegas was a legendary host for many of boxing’s biggest fights in the 1980s and early 1990s, and Munch, a public relations expert, was instrumental in it.
She was widely respected by promoters, boxers and the media and helped many journalists immeasurably with their boxing coverage.
Davey Pearl – Pearl was small of stature, but was a giant as a referee. He worked more than 70 world title bouts, including Muhammad Ali-Leon Spinks and Sugar Ray Leonard-Thomas Hearns.
Pearl was also a highly regarded judge.