Category Archives: boxing

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

JON FERNANDEZ vs. O’SHAQUIE FOSTER FINAL WEIGHTS, QUOTES & PHOTOS FOR SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATIONTOMORROW LIVE ON SHOWTIME®

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Four-Fight Telecast Begins Live At 9:45 p.m. ET/PT Immediately Following CRADLE OF CHAMPIONS Documentary Chronicling James Wilkins & 2015 New York Golden Gloves At 8 p.m. ET/PT

 

Click HERE For Photos; Credit Dave Mandel/SHOWTIME

SHAWNEE, Okla. (September 20, 2018) – Top 130-pound prospect Jon Fernandez and former decorated amateur O’Shaquie Foster made weight on Thursday for their 10-round matchup in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation tomorrow/Friday live on SHOWTIME at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT from Firelake Arena in Shawnee, Okla.

 

 

 

Fernandez (16-0, 14 KOs), a native of Spain and protégé of former unified champion Sergio Martinez, will face his toughest test to date in Foster (13-2, 8 KOs), a Houston resident who was one win away from representing the United States in the 2012 Olympics.

 

 

 

Friday’s quadrupleheader features eight prospects boasting a combined record of 81-2-1 and 56 KOs.

 

 

 

The telecast opens with James Wilkins (5-0, 5 KOs), who is featured on the SHOWTIME documentary CRADLE OF CHAMPIONS, squaring off against fellow-unbeaten Misael Lopez (8-0, 4 KOs). Staten Island’s Wilkins is a featured fighter in the documentary that chronicles the 2015 New York Golden Gloves, premiering at 8 p.m. ET/PT immediately preceding the ShoBox telecast.

 

 

 

In Friday’s co-feature, undefeated featherweight prospects Irvin Gonzalez Jr. (10-0, 9 KOs), of Worcester, Mass., and Carlos Ramos (9-0, 6 KOs), of Madrid, will collide in an eight-round bout.  Also on the card is Brooklyn’s Wesley Ferrer (12-0-1, 7 KOs), who will face fellow-unbeaten Philadelphia prospect Steven Ortiz (8-0, 3 KOs) in an eight-round lightweight bout.

 

 

 

FINAL WEIGHTS:

 

 

 

Super Featherweight 10-Round Bout 

Jon Fernandez – 129 ¾ lbs.

O’Shaquie Foster – 129 ½ lbs.

Referee: Laurence Cole; Judges: Sarah Atwood (Okla.), Jesse Reyes (Texas), David Sutherland (Okla.)

 

 

 

Featherweight 8-Round Bout 

Irvin Gonzalez Jr. – 126 lbs.

Carlos Ramos – 125 ½ lbs.

Referee: Mike England; Judges: Mike Bower (Okla.), Henry Gueary (Kan.), Jesse Reyes (Texas)

 

 

 

Lightweight 8-Round Bout 

Wesley Ferrer – 134 ¾ lbs.

Steven Ortiz – 134 ½ lbs.

Referee: Laurence Cole; Judges: Mike Bower (Okla.), Henry Ellick (Okla.), Henry Gueary (Kan.)

 

 

 

Super Featherweight 8-Round Bout 

James Wilkins – 128 ½ lbs.

Misael Lopez – 128 ¾ lbs.

Referee: Mike England; Judges: Sarah Atwood (Okla.), David Sutherland (Okla.), Tim Tallchief (Okla.)

 

 

 

FINAL QUOTES:

 

 

 

JON FERNANDEZ:

“I think I’m ready for a title fight now. I think that we’ve been doing really good work and the time is coming. If I get the opportunity after this fight, I’ll take it. I would fight Tevin Farmer or Ryan Garcia. I’m ready for something bigger.

 

 

 

“Every fight is different. Some fights I need to be really busy and sometimes I need to bring the power. It all depends. I look at myself more as a volume puncher than a power puncher. I like to wear my opponents down round by round.

 

 

 

“I’ve been on SHOWTIME twice and I’ve knocked out both of my opponents. Tomorrow night I will make it three for three.

 

 

 

“I’ve seen a few of Foster’s fights. He’s a fighter that knows how to use his distance and move around a lot. He will be my toughest opponent to date but I’ve fought guys with a similar style before.

 

 

 

“Boxing is gaining popularity all the time in Spain and I hope that my success makes others in Spain want to start boxing.

 

 

 

“I think Foster is going to be faithful to his style and use his distance and move a lot. I’m going to have to attack him and close off the ring. I have to be really intelligent because Foster is a really good counter-puncher and he’s fast. I just have to go to work.”

 

 

 

O’SHAQUIE FOSTER:

“My focus has improved since I’ve started working with my trainer, Bobby (Benton). I’ve improved a lot and my consistency is there. I’ve sharpened up and gotten back to the old me. I had strayed from the way I like to fight and now I’m back to the real O’Shaquie.

 

 

 

“SHOWTIME hasn’t seen the best of me yet. I wasn’t focused my last few fights and I had some bad performances on ShoBox. I’ve gotten all of my demons and bad activities out and now I’m one hundred percent focused on my boxing. I know that once I’m focused, nobody can beat me.

 

 

 

“Fernandez is making a big mistake taking this fight. I’ve never had trouble fighting against tall guys. I just have to use a lot of feints and a lot of movement and I don’t see him troubling me.

 

 

 

“I feel like I have a good team in place. I’ve gotten older, I’ve matured, and I’m as focused as I have ever been. I’ve been in the gym consistently for the last year. After my last fight, I took a few days off and was right back in the gym. This is my fourth fight in less than a year and I’m coming off one of my best performances.

 

 

 

“I made some mistakes away from the ring. I had to pull myself out of it and I wasn’t going to allow my talent to go to waste. This is a big fight for me and I have to prove that I still have a great future in boxing.”

 

 

 

IRVIN GONZALEZ JR.:

“Coming out of the amateurs, I knew I was going to make my mark in due time. I didn’t know if it would be this quickly. This is the whole goal. This is my first time on TV and I want to show my talent.

 

 

 

“Ramos knows how to box, he knows how to go in and out and use his angles, but I do see a lot of things that I can capitalize on. He does hold his right hand down low, and he likes to come over the top with an overhand left hand. He likes to stay out there, and he can get caught when he stays out there. I’m going to show him in the ring what he needs to work on in his craft.

 

 

 

“I can box, but I can also sit down on my punches and fight inside. I like to pick out my punches. It’s not like I’m going in there for the kill – if the kill comes, the kill comes – but I’m picking out my punches. If it comes with a knockout, it comes with the knockout.

 

 

 

“This is the toughest guy I’ve been in with as a pro. We know he’s lefty, we know he’s a pretty hard hitter.  That’s pretty much all we know.

 

 

 

“I switch without even realizing, so fighting a southpaw won’t be a problem. I’m just so comfortable with it that it comes as second nature.”

 

 

 

CARLOS RAMOS:

“I’ve sparred hundreds of rounds with Jon Fernandez. I’m a very different fighter than JonFer. He’s a more come-forward fighter who attacks and tries to cut off the ring. I’m more of a technical boxer that tries to use the jab a lot.

 

 

 

“My style will all depend on how the fight flows. We have a plan to fight Irvin Gonzalez and we think it will be very effective tomorrow night.

 

 

 

“This is a good fight for my career and the type of fight that motivates me. I’m very excited for this opportunity and excited to be here in the United States. I think this will open up many bigger opportunities for me.”

 

 

 

WESLEY FERRER:

“I’ve stayed busy in the gym since my last fight. I was in training camp with Robert Easter not too long ago. I had some ring rust in my last fight because of the layoff but that won’t be an issue this time.

 

 

 

“This is a big fight for my career. This is what’s going to get me to the next step in my career. I’m excited to show everybody who the real Wesley is.

 

 

 

“I can box, I can counter. It all depends on how I feel. If I put my mind on being a brawler, I can do that. If I put my mind to boxing, I can do that. It all depends on my opponent and what the fight plan is. We have a good fight plan for tomorrow night.

 

 

 

“Switching up my stance is something that I can do and something that I’ve been working on. Sometimes I do it without even thinking about it, and in my last fight I was more effective as a southpaw. It’s all about understanding when is the right time to do it.

 

 

 

“My preparation for this fight has been perfect. I have absolutely no issues and you guys will all see the best Wesley Ferrer.”

 

 

 

STEVEN ORTIZ:

“I feel good, I’m ready to go. I don’t know much about Ferrer. I know sometimes he switches to southpaw but we’re just going to adapt to whatever he brings to the table.

 

 

 

“I’ve sparred hundreds of rounds with Tevin Farmer. If I can hit him, I feel like I can hit anybody. That gives me the confidence to face a guy like Ferrer.

 

 

 

“I use my height to my advantage but I’m also learning to fight on the inside. I like to bang, but boxing comes naturally to me. Working with guys like Tevin makes these other fights easy.

 

 

 

“I’m going to be smart, stay patient, use my jab. But if an opening comes I’m going to take advantage of it and try to hurt him. As long as I stay focused and disciplined this will be easy work.

 

 

 

“This is my first time fighting on live TV, this is a great opportunity for me and an experience I’m looking forward to. I just have to take it round by round.

 

 

 

“It’s about being more focused. My mindset before was never, ‘I want to knock them out’. Now, that’s a priority for me. I want to hurt them.”

 

 

 

JAMES WILKINS:

“When I touch him, I promise you I’m going to knock him out. I’ve been under his skin for six weeks. Now that the fight isn’t in his hometown he’s scared to look me in the eyes.

 

 

 

“He’s definitely my toughest (opponent). He’s young, he’s undefeated. He’s been hyped up in Denver. But, if you ask me, I don’t think nothing of him. Denver is not Brooklyn.

 

 

“I’m bigger, I’m smarter, I’m faster.  Everyone I fought hasn’t been stopped until I stopped them. I haven’t fought a 130-pounder yet and now that I am, this fight isn’t going past three rounds.

 

 

 

“I want to be in the top 10. I want to be a rising star. I want to be a world champ by the end of 2020. But I had to take a different route than other fighters. I have my goals and this is the next step. I’m kicking this door down.

 

 

 

“I’m different than a lot of young fighters. My boxing IQ after working with Roy (Jones) is through the roof. I had a good camp. I’m prepared and ready to live my dream and become a star.

 

 

 

“I’ve been working three times a day in the gym. I didn’t fight guys with losing records because I was hand-picking guys. I fought them because I wasn’t given an opportunity.”

 

 

 

MISAEL LOPEZ:

“At first Wilkins got under my skin a little bit on social media, but we blocked it out. He’s a hot head. I think within the first few rounds he’ll come out wild and he’ll be easy for me to counter. It’s going to work against him.

 

 

 

“He’s never been three rounds, but more importantly he’s never fought a guy with a winning record.

 

 

 

“I’ve seen guys who come out aggressive.  I just need to catch him, slow him down and he’ll be out.

 

 

 

“No disrespect to him. He’s a great boxer, he had a great amateur career.  But this is our opportunity to take the next step.

 

 

 

“I’ve gotten a lot smarter in each fight.  I’ve learned to settle down and pick my shots.  I can adapt to any style.  I’ve had fights where I’ve had to brawl, I’ve had fights I had to box.

 

 

 

“We sparred with Shakur Stevenson and got some solid rounds with him for this fight.”

 

 

 

# # #

 

 

 

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 77 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 and more.

 

 

 

boxing, Fox Sports 1, Premier Boxing Champions

Victor Ortiz vs. John Molina Jr. Los Angeles Media Workout Quotes & Photos  

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Ortiz vs. Molina Jr. Headlines Premier Boxing Champions Action
Live on FS1 & FOX Deportes Sunday, September 30 from
Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif.
 
Click HERE for Photos from Luis Mejia/Ringstar Sports

LOS ANGELES (September 20, 2018) – Former welterweight world championVictor Ortiz and hard-hitting John Molina Jr. showed off their skills at a media workout Thursday as they prepare to face off Sunday, September 30 in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes live from Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California.

 

 

 

The telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features 2016 U.S. Olympian Karlos Balderas, who was in attendance at Thursday’s workout and faces New Mexico’s Jose Salinas, along with his brother Jose Balderas, who competes on the non-televised portion of the card.

 

 

 

The stacked night of PBC action on FS1 and FOX Deportes will also see unbeaten featherweight contender Brandon Figueroa taking on rugged veteran Oscar Escandon in a 10-round bout, 2016 British Olympian Joe Joyce battling Iago Kiladze in an eight-round heavyweight attraction and rising unbeaten prospects Efe Ajagba and Joey Spencer in separate showdowns.

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Ringstar Sports, are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

Here is what the participants at the media event had to say Thursday from Fortune Gym in Los Angeles:

 

 

 

VICTOR ORTIZ

 

 

 

“John Molina Jr. is a warrior, and it’s going to be two warriors on fight night. This is another chance for me to do what I love to do and what I have the most passion in the world for.

 

 

 

“You have to keep that fire burning inside you to keep competing in this sport. You have to go in there 100 miles per hour. This is a sport and I’m going in there to destroy him, then we can go have lunch after.

 

 

 

“I have lots of respect for Molina, but this is still boxing. He’s in my way right now and I’m going to knock him out of the way.

 

 

 

“I have one big task ahead of me and that’s John Molina Jr. on September 30. I can’t focus on anyone else out there, as much as I may want to fight them. I have a tremendous challenge in front of me.

 

 

 

“I don’t feel that I have the size advantage. Molina is a big guy. I’m not too small or anything, but at the end of the day we’re going to have a good dance in that ring and there’s going to be no excuses.

 

 

 

“I’m working hard each day in camp to be ready for September 30. Whatever the coaches have been asking of me, I’ve been there and delivered.”

 

 

 

JOHN MOLINA JR.

 

 

 

“I know that Victor is going to be himself in there. We’re both veterans who have been been down this road before. He’s coming to win and that’s what excites me. I think everyone watching is going to get a treat on September 30.

 

 

 

“Victor is probably the physically bigger guy because he’s been at welterweight longer, but I think I carry the weight well. I’ve always been big for my weight classes so I think it will fit perfectly.

 

 

 

“Training is what I do. I’ve been down this road before so it’s really just built into my system to get in the gym and work hard. Everything has been going great. We’re on track with some hard work ahead to be ready for fight night.

 

 

 

“Victor deserves my undivided attention and he has it. Especially for this fight. He is a big strong guy who hits hard for 147-pounds. I never pick the easy guy when I move up in weight. My first fight at 140 was Lucas Matthysse and I expect fireworks for this fight as well.

 

 

 

“My ability to bounce back and deal with adversity in the ring is all about mindset. When I’m in that ring, I’m just 100 percent focused on doing what I have to do for my family. I’ve been blessed by boxing. I put it all on the line.

 

 

 

“I know I have to go through the fire every time I get into the ring. If I didn’t think that I’d be fooling myself. You can say what you want about Victor, but he’s always been in exciting fights and I’m going to have to deal with that style on September 30.”

 

 

 

KARLOS BALDERAS

 

 

 

“I envision myself going out there and breaking down my opponent little by little. I think we’ve kept the same kind of training going, but me and my brother are much more comfortable as pros now, so it’s gotten even more productive.

 

 

 

“I’m excited to keep working and getting my rounds in, while also having fun with this job I’m blessed to have. I’m not planning to let this fight go the distance and I’m going to take the opportunity to end it when I see it.

 

 

 

“Me and my brother both believe that the fight is really won in the gym. By the time you get up into the ring, it’s just sparring really. That helps me stay relaxed and focused on the work I’m there to do and not worried about anything going on around me.

 

 

 

JOSE BALDERAS

 

 

 

“I feel great going into this fight. I’ve learned a lot from each time I’ve gotten into the ring and I’m going to take that into this next fight to put on my best performance.

 

 

 

“My goal is always to go out there and be great. I’m ready to break my opponent down and do what I have to do.

 

 

 

“It’s exciting to be on the same card as my brother again. We definitely are still invested in each other’s fights. Hopefully we can each take care of business and be able to be there cheering each other on.”

 

 

 

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

 

 

 

“It’s refreshing to see the level of respect from Ortiz and Molina. This is an extremely evenly matched fight with no clear favorite. These are fighters who can create a memorable night. It’s the perfect example of how styles make fights.

 

 

 

“Both of these men know how to entertain and are must-see television every time they step into the ring. Now they’re fighting each other and it’s got war written all over it. The fans watching on Sunday night and here in Ontario are in for a treat.

 

 

 

“I’m excited to see the continued development of Karlos Balderas on September 30. He is quickly making an impression throughout the sport and I believe he’s going to prove that he can live up to the promise in the not too distant future. Sunday will be another step toward what he can really accomplish.”

 

 

 

#          #          #

 

 

 

Fans can live stream the fights on the FOX Sports app, 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.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.

Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @Ringstar, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes.Highlights available atwww.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

boxing

HALL OF FAME BOXING REF JOE CORTEZ JOINS DEVIN HANEY PROMOTIONS

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LAS VEGAS, NV (September 20, 2018) – Undefeated boxing sensation, Devin “The Dream” Haney (19-0, 13 KOs), has brought on Hall of Fame Boxing referee Joe Cortez to serve as the team’s official boxing consultant. Cortez, who is known globally for refereeing some of boxing’s most memorable fights, will guide Devin Haney Promotions as the young phenom ascends in his career.

 

 

With over 50 years of boxing experience under his belt, as a fighter, trainer and referee, Cortez possesses a plethora of knowledge that is invaluable. Cortez won several NYC Golden Glove Championships as an amateur, went (18-1) as a professional, and refereed over 175 world championship fights as a ref. Presently employed by Disney as a Boxing Analyst for ESPN since 2013, Joe is thrilled to be part of Devin Haney Promotions and will be accompanying Devin in Temecula, CA, for his upcoming fight September 28th against Juan Carlos Burgos, televised live on Showtime.

 

 

 

“I really believe Devin can be the next superstar in boxing,” said Joe Cortez. “I’m going to make sure everything is perfect going into each and every fight. I’ve been in the sport of boxing for many years and I know what to look out for. I’ll be working with Devin Haney and his team as a boxing consultant and help guide him to be one of the greats in boxing.”

 

 

 

“I’ve known Joe Cortez since I was a young amateur and I have the utmost respect for him,” said Devin Haney. “He brings a lot of knowledge and experience to Devin Haney Promotions.  When building a great team, you need extraordinary team players, and Joe Cortez is certainly one of the best in the business.  It’s an honor to have him on my team.”

boxing, ShoBox, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION SERGIO MARTINEZ SPEAKS GLOWINGLY OF HIS TOP PROSPECT, JON FERNANDEZ, AHEAD OFSHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION® FRIDAY NIGHT

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Photo Credit: Showtime Sports

 

Fernandez vs. O’Shaquie Foster Headlines ShoBox Quadrupleheader Live at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT from Firelake Arena in Shawnee, Okla.

 

SHAWNEE, Okla. (Sept. 19, 2018) – Former unified world champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez sees big things for his protégé Jon “JonFer” Fernandez as the undefeated super featherweight prepares for his toughest test to date in O’Shaquie Foster in the headlining bout of ShoBox: The New Generation this Friday, September 21, live on SHOWTIME (9:45 p.m. ET/PT).

 

 

 

Martinez, known for his extensive career and impact inside the ring and now at the helm of Maravillabox Promotions, has managed Fernandez since 2015. Since his pro debut at only 19 years old, Fernandez (16-0, 14 KOs) has climbed the prospect rankings while keeping his unblemished record intact, knocking out 88 percent of his opponents along the way. The 23-year-old Fernandez was named the No. 5 prospect in all of boxing on ESPN’s Top Prospects of 2017 list, and looks poised to challenge for a world title at 130 pounds in the near future.

 

 

 

This Friday’s quadrupleheader features eight prospects boasting a combined record of 81-2-1 and 56 KOs. The telecast opens with James Wilkins (5-0, 5 KOs), who is featured on SHOWTIME’s CRADLE OF CHAMPIONS documentary immediately preceding the ShoBox telecast at 9 p.m. ET/PT, taking on Misael Lopez (8-0, 4 KOs).  Also included on the card is a battle between undefeated featherweights Irvin Gonzalez Jr. (10-0, 9 KOs) and Carlos Ramos (9-0, 6 KOs), plus and Brooklyn’s Wesley Ferrer (12-0-1, 7 KOs) colliding with undefeated lightweight Philadelphia prospect Steven Ortiz (8-0, 3 KOs).

 

 

 

This week, the former world champ Martinez spoke to SHOWTIME about what the future might hold for Fernandez and his stablemate, fellow-undefeated prospect Carlos Ramos:

 

 

 

SERGIO “MARAVILLA” MARTINEZ:

 

 

How much has Jon progressed since the last time we saw him on SHOWTIME in June 2017?

 

 

“It’s been over a year since last time Jon fought in the United States. I’ve seen him mature as a person and as a boxer. He’s been in three very difficult fights, he knocked out a Panamanian Olympian and won the WBC Silver belt. He’s now ranked in the top 10 at super featherweight by the WBC.”

 

 

 

How far away do you believe Jon is from challenging for a world title opportunity?

 

 

“With every fight, JonFer is a step closer to an opportunity to showcase his talent on the big stage. I think 2019 will be the year where we see him in a big fight against another top 10 opponent or challenging for a title.”

 

 

 

You have sparred with Jon in the past, how did that go? Do you still train with him?

 

 

“I train with JonFer a few days a week. He’s so strong. I think he’s stronger than most 130-pounders, and he can pack a punch. He’s a power puncher.”

 

 

 

What initially drew you to work with Jon in the beginning?

 

 

“As soon as I met JonFer, I knew I wanted to work with him. His talent stood up right away. I knew he was a hungry, five-star boxer with world championship fever. The perfect prospect.”

 

 

 

How do you feel about the matchup Jon has on Friday night against O’Shaquie Foster?

 

 

“Foster is his toughest rival to date, so naturally I’m a little nervous.  But I know JonFer has what it takes to get the win. I have a second fighter on the card, Carlos Ramos. I’m always a little nervous when my boxers fight. It’s normal.”

 

 

 

Irvin Gonzalez is also undefeated, what does Carlos need to do for the victory?

 

 

“Carlos Ramos doesn’t have to do anything special to defeat Irvin Gonzalez. He just has to be himself. Ramos knows this is the biggest opportunity he has ever had and that this fight can change his life. That’s the best motivation he can have to bring his A-game to the ring on Friday.”

 

 

 

What are you thoughts on Carlos as a prospect?

 

 

“I have high hopes for Carlos. He has a lot of talent and is a southpaw, just like me. He reminds me of myself when I was starting. I believe in his potential.”

 

 

 

Presented by DiBella Entertainment, tickets for the event are priced at $60 for ringside, $40 for floor seats and $30 for general admission and can be purchased online at www.firelakearena.com or at the door on the night of the event.

 

 

 

# # #

 

 

 

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 77 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 and more.

 

 

boxing, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE SCORES KNOCKOUT PARTNERSHIP WITH EVERLAST – THE CHOICE OF CHAMPIONS – FOR 24 EVENTS IN 2018-19

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Fan-friendly, interactive FREE series with more than 1.6 million fans served now “Powered by Everlast.”

NEW YORK (Sept. 19, 2018) – After opening Season II last Friday with nearly 200,000 views to bring its series viewership above 1.6 million, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE today announced a 24-show partnership with Everlast: The Choice of Champions and the preeminent brand in boxing since 1910.

 

 

 

Under the agreement, Everlast becomes the title sponsor of “FIGHTNIGHT LIVE, Powered by Everlast” for all shows during the 2018-19 season and enjoys benefits such as: Broadcast Billboards; “Tale of the Tape” and “Matchup” graphics during the live shows; sponsored interviews; in-venue ring announcer acknowledgements before each fight; between-show social media integration, and much more.

 

 

 

“We are delighted that Everlast – a brand synonymous with boxing – sees value in what FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has accomplished since May of 2017. We’ve had 18 shows originating from New York, Atlantic City, Philadelphia, Boston and New England, Phoenix and America’s Heartland, where more than 300 up-and-coming fighters and eleven different promotions gained an incredible amount of exposure via this exciting, truly social platform. To be able to have several events with more than 150,000 or 200,000 views only scratches the surface, and with Everlast’s partnership, we are truly ready to take FIGHTNIGHT LIVE to the next level here in Season II,” said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media.

 

 

 

“We are proud to partner with FIGHTNIGHT LIVE. At Everlast we have always believed in supporting people and ideas that break the mold and blaze new trails and FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is doing just that,” said Chris Zoller, Vice President of Marketing and Product development at Everlast. “We’re seeing a shift in how fight sports content is being consumed. Highly-engaging content and experiences delivered via emerging channels is the heart of our brand strategy. FNL is the perfect combination of high-quality fight sports content and accessibility.”

 

 

 

Now in its second season, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is the fan-friendly series that – among other aspects – prides itself on the real-time conversations held between fight commentators and the viewing audience. FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has showcased more than 300 fighters during 18 live event broadcasts since May 2017, and in doing so, the interactive platform has generated the loyal interest of fight fans from across the United States and around the globe, including significant audiences in Mexico, the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, and even fans in South America, Asia and Australia.

 

 

 

Now at more than 1.6 million views for the series, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has continued to deliver impressive numbers throughout its first 18 shows:

 

  • Since May 2017, the numbers on the 18-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of 90,001 views per event and more than 1.6 million total views.

 

  • The Sept. 2017 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), the August 2017 CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000), the Sept. 2018 “Card Fit For Kings” from Philadelphia (195,620), the Sept. 2017 CES “Twin River Twinbill” from Lincoln, R.I. (157,000) and the March 17, 2018, Murphy’s “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” (151,253) all logged 150,000 or more views, and collectively the 18-show series has seen a total of 1,620,014 views across all devices.

 

  • In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 183,000 collective live post engagements(more than 10,100 per show), including more than 124,000 “likes” or “loves,” more than 31,000 comments and more than 10,000 shares.

 

  • The Sept. 2017 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” set a new bar with 224,658 views and the Sept. 2017 DiBella-CES doubleheader carried the series to three-quarters-of-a-million views in just over four months. The Sept. 2017 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves” and the March 17, 2018, Murphy’s “St. Patrick’s Day Clash” set a new high-water mark for shares with 2,182.

 

  • The FIGHTNIGHT LIVE page on Facebook has more than 83,000 followers.

 

 

 

Created and produced by Linacre Media out of New York City, the FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series features professional announcers, multiple camera angles, television graphics, replays and behind-the-scenes access and interviews. The streamed shows are available globally wherever Facebook is available. The initiative not only enables fans from around the world to tune in, but also gives up-and-coming fighters a global platform to showcase their abilities, gives promoters an accessible “broadcast” solution and gives sponsors the ability to reach a mass audience via branded content.

 

 

 

More FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Fall 2018 dates will be officially announced in the coming weeks.

 

 

 

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE is available online at: https://www.facebook.com/FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE/ 

 

 

 

Follow all the action via social media at FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Facebook, @FaceFIGHTNIGHTLIVE on Instagram and @FIGHTNIGHTLIVE_ on Twitter, or by using the hashtag #FIGHTNIGHTLIVE. For the latest Linacre Media events and broadcast schedule, follow @LinacreMedia across all social platforms or use the tags #LinacreMediaEvents or #LinacreMediaOnTV.

 

 

 

 

About Everlast Worldwide Inc.

The preeminent brand in boxing since 1910, Everlast is the world’s leading manufacturer, marketer and licensor of boxing, MMA and fitness equipment. From legendary champions Jack Dempsey and Sugar Ray Robinson to current superstars Deontay Wilder and Dustin Poirier, Everlast is the brand of choice for generations of world champion professional athletes. Built on a brand heritage of strength, dedication, individuality and authenticity, Everlast is a necessary part of the lives of countless champions. Based in Manhattan, Everlast’s products are sold across more than 75 countries and 6 continents. For more information, visit www.everlast.com.

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

HALL OF FAMER STEVE FARHOOD CELEBRATES 40 YEARS IN BOXING

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SHOWTIME Boxing Analyst And Historian Gives Wish List Of Top Mythical Matchups Spanning Generations

 

NEW YORK (September 18, 2018) – International Boxing Hall of Famer Steve Farhood celebrates four decades in boxing this Tuesday, exactly 40 years since he started working exclusively in the business in 1978.

 

 

 

Farhood began his career writing for various boxing publications at London Publishing on Monday, September 18, just three days after Muhammad Ali regained the heavyweight title vs. Leon Spinks on Friday, September 15.

 

 

 

After launching KO Magazine in 1980 and serving as editor-in-chief of The Ring Magazine for nearly a decade, Farhood joined SHOWTIME in 2001 and has been a staple on the ShoBox: The New Generation series since its inception more than 17 years ago.

 

 

 

Over the past 40 years, Farhood has nearly seen it all in the Sweet Science.  Now, as he prepares for consecutive Fridays of ShoBox telecasts, the lifelong New Yorker lists a handful of mythical matchups he’d love to see, regardless of the generation.

 

 

 

FARHOOD’S TOP MYTHICAL MATCHUPS:

 

 

 

Joe Frazier-Mike Tyson (heavyweight): The ultimate dream fight. No jabs allowed.

 

 

 

Roberto Duran-Alexis Arguello (lightweight): They were both 135-pounders, just not at the same time.

 

 

 

Sugar Ray Robinson-Sugar Ray Leonard (welterweight): Biggest crime in boxing history: There’s no video of Robinson as a welter, when he was at his very best.

 

 

 

Sugar Ray Leonard-Floyd Mayweather Jr. (welterweight): The best fighter I’ve ever covered versus the best fighter of this generation.

 

 

 

Jack Dempsey-Rocky Marciano (heavyweight): Boxing’s big men were smaller back in the day, but pound-for-pound, nobody hit harder than these two.

 

 

 

Marvin Hagler-Carlos Monzon (middleweight): All-timer vs. all-timer. My guess: Monzon’s style would be all wrong for Hagler. Match B-Hop (Bernard Hopkins) with the winner.

 

 

 

Salvador Sanchez-Eusebio Pedroza (featherweights): My opinion on this delicious matchup of Hall of Famers is an unpopular one: Pedroza wins on points.

 

 

 

Wilfredo Gomez-Manny Pacquiao (junior featherweights): In the early-‘80s, Gomez was as close to a perfect fighting machine as there was. But would his chin hold up vs. a 122-pound Manny?

 

 

 

This Friday on ShoBox: The New Generation, top undefeated super featherweight prospect Jon Fernandez (16-0, 14 KOs) will clash with O’Shaquie Foster (13-2, 8 KOs) in the 10-round main event of a four-fight card featuring eight fighters with a combined record of 81-2-1 with 56 knockouts.

 

 

 

Next Friday, September 28, ShoBox returns for a tripleheader headlined by 19-year-old blue-chip prospect Devin Haney (19-0, 13 KOs) taking on former three-time world title challenger Juan Carlos Burgos (33-2-2, 21 KOs).

 

 

 

For more information visit www.sho.com/sportsfollow 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 77 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 and more.

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Michael Dutchover Learning from WBA World Champion Danny Roman

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Photo by Carlos Baeza / Thompson Boxing

Philadelphia, Penn. / Orange, Calif. (Sept. 18, 2018) – Junior lightweight Michael Dutchover (10-0, 7 KOs) has been receiving a priceless education in the lead up to his main event showdown with Bergman Aguilar (14-3-1, 4 KOs) this Friday night from the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario, Calif. 

 

 

 

Dutchover, 20, has been sparring with reigning WBA super bantamweight champion Danny Roman in Los Angeles. The unbeaten prospect dishes on his relationship with Roman, his new found culinary skills, and what the fans in attendance and on the LiveStream can expect from the surging prospect this Friday night.

 

 

 

Tickets for “New Blood” are priced at $40, $60, & $100, and are available for purchase by calling 714-935-0900, or online at ThompsonBoxing.com.

 

 

 

You were originally scheduled to face Luis Lopez, but he dropped out last week due to illness. The replacement fighter is Bergman Aguilar of Nicaragua. How do you stay focused on what you need to do to win?

 

 

 

“It’s one of those things that happens in boxing, especially to young guys like myself. I don’t let it affect me. I have a new guy in front of me. That’s how I view it. He’s in my way in what I want to accomplish, which is to win a world title. He’s not going to stop me from getting to that point.”

 

 

 

You’ve been sparring with WBA champion Danny Roman. What’s it like to learn from one of the best?

 

 

 

“Every single time I spar with Danny I learn something new. He’s a skillful fighter. A very smart boxer. I love working with him. I’m happy to have him in my corner. He helps me how to think through my punches. He talks to me after we spar and we go over things. It’s great to learn from a world champion.”

 

 

 

If boxing wasn’t a career option for you, what would you get yourself into? We hear you’re developing new culinary skills.

 

 

 

“I love everything related to fitness and nutrition. So I think I’d go the nutritionist route or study to become a physical trainer. I’m already learning a lot about nutrition. I cook my own meals. I do my own meal prep. I’m eating a lot of lean meats and vegetables and making them taste great. I get down in the kitchen. I’m learning how to cook on the fly and it’s great. When I go back home to Midland [Texas] to cook for my family, they come away very impressed.”

 

 

 

How do you expect to perform on Friday night?

 

 

 

“From when the first bell rings, I’m going to fight my fight. I’m not shooting for a knockout, but if it’s there, I’ll take it. I’m in peak shape right now. Come Friday, it’s showtime.”

 

 

 

Dutchover is promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing.

 

 

 

 

The livestream starts at 8:00 p.m. PT / 11:00 p.m. ET with Beto Duran as the blow-by-blow announcer and Steve Kim providing expert, color commentary.

 

 

 

For regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please check Banner Promotions Facebook Page , and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @BannerBoxing

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Derrieck Cuevas to Face Silverio Ortiz at Heavyweight Factory’s “Rumble at the Rock 2” on Friday, Sept. 28 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood

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The Heavyweight Factory’s latest promotional signing, undefeated welterweight power puncher Derrieck Cuevas, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, will face Mexican veteran Silverio Ortiz over 10 rounds on the undercard of “Rumble at the Rock 2,” the professional boxing event on Friday, Sept. 28 in the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.

 

 

 

A former decorated amateur, Cuevas (17-0-1, 14 KOs) has torn through his professional opposition thus far. Ortiz (37-22, 18 KOs) is a true spoiler, having faced a long list of world champions and undefeated fighters and taken a number of their “0’s.”

 

 

 

Presented by Kris Lawrence and The Heavyweight Factory, in the night’s 10-round main event, Honolulu, Hawaii’s undefeated Logan “The Korican Kid” Yoon (12-0, 10 KOs) will defend his WBO-NABO Youth Junior Welterweight Championship against John “El Emperador” Rentería (16-4-1, 12 KOs) of Panama.

 

 

 

In the night’s 10-round co-main event, Miami via Ekibastuz, Kazakhstan’s Mussa “Warrior” Tursyngaliyev (7-0, 6 KOs) will take on Monteira, Colombia’s Deivi “El Cabo” Bassa (20-5, 12 KOs) for the WBA International Featherweight Championship. In an “All Florida” bout, undefeated welterweight Livan “Machine Gun Kid” Navarro (8-0, 5 KOs), from Miami (via Cuba) will face once-beaten Armando “The Gentleman” Alvarez (18-1, 12 KOs) of Key West.

 

 

 

Tickets for “Rumble at the Rock 2” cost $60, $100, $150, $250 and $500 VIP and are available through ticketmaster.com.

 

 

 

Cuevas sat down for the following interview during a break in training:

 

 

 

How does it feel fighting in the USA mainland for the first time?

I am happy to be fighting here in Hollywood Florida with my new team. I’m in phenomenal shape and, come September 28, I plan on showing it big time.

 

 

 

What do you know about your opponent?

I know he’s a tough savvy Mexican veteran, but I will be prepared for anything he brings to the table. Mexico vs PR has always been a real draw when it comes to boxing and I invite all the Puerto Rican fans to come see me fight.

 

 

 

How long until we see you in a championship-level fight?

My promotional team at The Heavyweight Factory will take care of that for me. I have full faith in what my manager Alex Troya did when he brought me here. I’m working with my new trainer Jesse Robinson and within 18 months, I will hopefully be fighting for the world title. These people know what they’re doing and work hard for their fighters. I’m glad to be here.

 

 

 

Describe your style of fighting for the people who will be seeing you for the first time.

I don’t run away. I stand in the pocket and slip and make my opponents pay. I am working on power, explosivity and speed. That’s a dangerous combination. I can box. I can bang. I will get it on, how ever they want it. I want to be showman and a crowd pleaser.

 

 

 

How old were you when you realized you had above average punching power?

I must have been 13 and my coach at the time was telling others that I had pop in my punch. Then it just became part of my arsenal.

 

 

 

Would you ever consider an “All Puerto Rico” showdown with a fighter like Subriel Matias or Danielito Zorrilla?

Auntie and Daniel are my friends we spar often on the island. I have great respect for both guys, but once you step in the ring, it’s ‘go time’ no matter who it is.

 

 

 

Do you miss Puerto Rico when you train in the US?

I miss my family and my people but I’m a pro who is focused on getting to the top now and now is the time I will stay focused until I get to that big showdown for the title, coming soon to a theatre near you!

 

 

 

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LARA WANTS CANELO OR GGG NEXT

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Photo by Stephanie Trapp – Showtime

HOUSTON, TX (September 17, 2018) – Former WBA super welterweight world champion Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (25-3-2, 14 KOs), felt inspired by the state of boxing after watching last Saturday night’s main event between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (50-1-2, 34 KOs) and Gennady “GGG” Golovkin (38-1-1, 34 KOs) in Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

 

 

“Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin fought an amazing fight, it was a true classic.” said Lara. “I want to congratulate both of them for putting together such a tremendous effort to bring the spotlight back on boxing. It would be a great honor to fight either fighter, and I would love to challenge myself against them.”

 

 

 

Erislandy Lara has been training in Houston, Texas for his next fight with trainer Ronnie Shields, as he is working hard in the gym, getting ready for his next fight date.

 

 

 

“I am ready to make a statement and to challenge either fighter at middleweight, whether it is Gennady Golovkin or Canelo Alvarez in a rematch…I am ready!”

boxing

Undefeated Heavyweight Darmani Rock to headline on Saturday, October 6th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

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Top lightweight prospect Jeremy Cuevas to take part in co-feature
Brandon Pizarro goes for 12th win
Undefeated Gadwin Rosa, Christian Tapia, & Marcel Rivers in action
Plus the pro debut of Benny Sinakin

(Photo/Roc Nation Sports)

Philadelphia, PA (September 17, 2018) – Top Heavyweight prospect Darmani Rock will take part in the eight-round main event on Saturday, October 6th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

 

 

 

Also, appearing in the co-feature bout will be rising lightweight prospect Jeremy Cuevas.

 

 

 

The show is promoted by Hard Hitting Promotions in association with Roc Nation Sports.

 

 

 

Rock of Philadelphia, who was the number-one amateur heavyweight in the United States and former Youth Amateur champion, has a record of 12-0 with seven knockouts.

 

 

 

The 22 year-old Rock is a two-year professional who has a 1st round stoppage over Carlos Cotto (8-1-1) on his resume.  Rock is coming off a six-round unanimous decision win over Marquis Valentine on July 20th in Sloan, Iowa.

 

 

 

This will be Rock’s 3rd appearance in Philadelphia.

 

Cuevas (10-0, 8 KOs) of Philadelphia will fight in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.

 

 

The 22 year-old Cuevas is a two -year professional, who has been recognized as one of the top lightweight prospects in the country.  He has stopped his last two opponents, which includes his last bout when he stopped Deo Kizito at The 2300 Arena.  This will be Cuevas’s 3rd consecutive and 4th overall fight at The 2300 Arena.

 

 

 

Surging 18 year-old prospect Brandon Pizarro will see action in a six-round bout.

 

 

The former Junior Olympic champion has a record of 11-1 with five knockouts.

 

 

 

The Philadelphia native is a two-year professional, and has a win over previously undefeated Abdiel Padilla.

 

 

 

Pizarro, who has won three consecutive bouts, is coming off a 2nd round stoppage over veteran Hector Marengo on August 11th at The 2300 Arena.  This will be Pizarro’s 3rd consecutive appearance at The 2300 Arena.

 

 

 

Seeing action on the undercard in a six-round bout will undefeated super featherweight Gadwin Rosa (7-0, 6 KOs) of Ocala, Florida.

 

 

 

Also in a four-round bout will be undefeated super featherweight Christian Tapia (5-0, 4 KOs) of Coamo, Puerto Rico.

 

 

 

Undefeated welterweight Marcel Rivers (6-0, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia will take part in a four-round bout.

 

 

 

Making his pro debut will be 21 year-old Benny Sinakin of Philadelphia.

 

 

 

Also making his pro debut will be lightweight Thyler Williams of Philadelphia.

 

 

 

All opponents and more bouts will be announced shortly.

 

 

 

Tickets available now! $50 GA , $70 Premium, $125 VIP +fees

 

 

Purchase Tickets online at hardhittingpromotions.com ;  2300arena.com or by calling 267.758.2173  as well as the 2300 Arena Box Office.

 

Doors 6PM – First bout 7PM