Category Archives: boxing

boxing

Anthony “Juice” Young signs with Real Deal Entertainment

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Young to take on Enver Halili this Saturday night at Boardwalk Hall

Atlantic City, NJ (May 29, 2018) – Boxing manager Rich Masini announced that welterweight Anthony “Juice” Young has signed a promotional contract with Real Deal Entertainment.

 

 

 

Young (18-2, 6 KOs) of Atlantic City will make his debut under the Real Deal Entertainment banner when he takes on this Saturday night when he takes on Enver Halili (10-1, 3 KOs) in a scheduled eight-round bout at Boardwalk Hall in his hometown of Atlantic City.

 

 

 

“I am happy to join Real Deal Boxing.  They are an up-and-coming promotion,” said Young.

 

 

 

In Halili, Young will be fighting the brother of a former opponent who defeated Young for one of his two defeats.

 

 

 

“I expect a tough fight.  I saw his fight against Raymond Serrano, and I think he was winning until he got disqualified.  I expect to get the victory.  At the end of the day, he is not his brother Skender.  When his brother beat me, it was just a little setback.”

 

 

 

The Atlantic City native is honored and motivated to be performing on Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame weekend.

 

 

“It is special to fight at Boardwalk Hall.  I am now at the point of my career, that I am set on bigger fights, and it is an honor to fight on Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame weekend.  It motivates me as I want to be be inducted when my career is over.”

 

 

Masini, who has managed Young for the last six-years, is excited at the new partnership that he has for his fighter.

 

 

 

“I have seen “Juice” Improve greatly over his last seven fights.  It is Anthony’s commitment and his team led by trainer Raul “Chino” Rivas that have done a great job with his preparation,” said Masini.  “In addition, Anthony’s dad, Teany has helped me in the management end of things.  I am very proud of him.  He has matured inside and outside of the ring.”

 

 

 

“I am looking forward to working with Real Deal Entertainment.  Sal Musumeci has been a long time friend, and this is the final piece of the puzzle in-terms of completing the team around Anthony.  The reason that I am in this business is because of people like Anthony.  He is loyal, dedicated, and now has all of the pieces to become world champion.  We have tried to keep him busy, but in the last eight-months, we have had some fights fall out, but we are back on Saturday against Enver Halili.  “Juice” will be ready to show all that he is on the rise.”

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Abner Mares Hosts Community Event Thursday & Throws Out First Pitch at Los Angeles Dodgers Game Sunday as Part of Busy Memorial Day Weekend

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Mares Rematches Featherweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz Saturday, June 9 Live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in Event Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Dodgers First Pitch Photos From
Mares Enterprises/Eder Mercado
 
Click HERE for Community Event Video Footage & HERE for Photos from Team Mares

LOS ANGELES (May 29, 2018) – Four-time world champion Abner Mares participated in two great events over Memorial Day Weekend, first hosting a Community Day at the L.A. County Sheriff’s Century Boxing Gym on Thursday, and then throwing out the first pitch at the Los Angeles Dodgers’ game on Sunday afternoon.

 

 

 

Mares is preparing for a world championship rematch against featherweight titleholder Leo Santa Cruz Saturday, June 9 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

On Thursday, Mares was joined by EMMY Award-winning sports reporter Jim Gray, Ringstar Sports Chairman and CEO Richard Schaefer and Mares’ strength and conditioning coach Luis Garcia, as the group spoke to 150 children ages seven to 19 on their careers and how champions are built in Los Angeles.

 

 

 

“Boxing is a disciplined and dedicated sport,” said Mares. “The Sheriffs know that with hard work, dedication and discipline, you can make it in life.

 

 

 

“You think in boxing a perfect record is everything? It isn’t. When you lose you know what makes you a better champion? Getting up, and becoming a champion again. Getting up every time and not quitting. That’s what makes a true champion.”

 

 

 

On Sunday, Mares was at Dodgers Stadium to throw out the ceremonial first pitch as part of Viva Los Dodgers, the monthly series at the stadium that celebrates Latino culture. With fight week right around the corner, Mares was able to enjoy the event with his focus still squarely on his showdown with rival Santa Cruz.

 

 

 

“It’s always great to be able to participate in events like these that directly reach people in my community,” said Mares. “I’m thankful to the Dodgers for the opportunity and I had a great time on Sunday. I hope everyone who was there comes out to STAPLES Center on June 9 because I’m locked in and ready to put on a great show for the fans in Los Angeles.”

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit AXS.com or click HERE.

 

 

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also feature unbeaten super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo defending his title against former world champion Austin Trout.

 

#          #          #

 

 

 

For more information on the Century Sheriff’s Station visit @CenturyLASD, @CenturySheriffsStation or the Sheriff’s Youth Foundation website www.sherrifsyouthfoundation.com.

 

 

 

 

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.com andwww.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @AbnerMares, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions @STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

 

boxing

Tommy ‘Sweet T’ Jacobs set to face Bilal Mohammad For WBF International Crown

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Colchester’s Tommy ‘Sweet T’ Jacobs is firmly on a fast track to achieving his dream of being a World Champion, when he takes on Ghana’s Bilal Mohammad for the World Boxing Foundation (WBF) International Super Welterweight Crown at the Charter Hall in Colchester on Saturday 30th June 2018.

 

 

Back in April this year Jacobs secured the WBF European Super Welterweight title with a convincing unanimous points victory over Matar Sambou, who to date has been the only boxer to beat him, when they first went toe-to-toe on Jacobs’ first defence of his British Masters crown back in October 2017.

 

 

Jacobs, a former Team GB International Amateur star, only turned professional in March 2016 and in that short time has already secured three Professional Titles, the British Masters, the International Masters and the World Boxing Foundation (WBF) European Championships and is confident that he will be adding the WBF International crown on just his ninth professional fight.

 

 

More importantly Jacobs’ eight fights to date have been against prospects, a rarity in the sport these days and one that sees Jacobs join such luminaries as all-time top fifty Pound 4 Pound Champions, Muhammad Ali, Oscar De La Hoya, Bob Fitzsimmons, Andre Ward and Joe Gans, who also only fought prospects with positive records in their first nine professional contests.

 

 

“Really looking forward to the fight, I had tunnel vision before and was so fixated on facing and beating Sambou after the controversial way the initial contest ended. I couldn’t deal with losing to someone who wasn’t better then me.

 

 

Now that’s done I’m firmly looking to the future! In no way I’m overlooking my next opponent, he is many levels above anyone else I’ve faced previously, but I feel he is a gatekeeper to bigger and better things and cannot wait to show case my talents against an opponent of that calibre.”

 

 

Tommy ‘Sweet T’ Jacobs versus Bilal Mohammad for the World Boxing Foundation International Super Welterweight Championship takes place at the Charter Hall, Colchester Leisure World, Cowdray Avenue in Colchester on Saturday 30th June 2018.

 

 

Tickets are available direct from any boxer on the card or call the ticket line on 07475 09653

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

Maia vs. Usman Recap, New ESPN Deal, Boxing Promotional Battles are topics of discussion on this week’s FNU Combat Sports Show

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This week on the FNU Combat Sports Show, Tom, Tony and Rich discuss a wide variety of topics. We start out with the ESPN/UFC broadcast rights deal for five years, 30 fight cards and $1.5 billion. We also discuss the infighting among boxing promoters lately with both Bob Arum and UK upstart Eddie Hearn scrambling to sign free agents while trying to fill slots for slated shows in the United States over the coming year. We go on to recap last week’s combat sports action, highlighting the Adonis Stevenson vs. Badou Jack majority draw and the Usman vs Maia 5-round snoozefest headlining last Saturday night’s UFC Fight Night card. We of course also preview this weekend’s boxing matches and the UFC and Bellator cards coming out of England. We even touch on the regulation of bareknuckle boxing and Bobby Gunn’s claim of no fatalities recorded in the sport. Finally, we wrap up with  a reminder of what this weekend is all about: saluting our servicemen and women.  Listen to the whole show at the link below:

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/v8zi5h9j4j7t07e/tonytomandrichmay262018.mp3?dl=0

boxing, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE

FIGHTNIGHT LIVE APPROACHING 1.5 MILLION VIEWS FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL INAUGURAL CAMPAIGN

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Fan-friendly, interactive series looks to continue momentum in year two.
FIGHTNIGHT LIVE Founder Mark Fratto joins Michael Woods on this week’s Talk Box Podcast, powered by Everlast: 

NEW YORK (May 24, 2018) – Recently celebrating its first anniversary and now approaching 1.5 million views for the series, Facebook FIGHTNIGHT LIVE next turns the corner to year two, looking to build upon its meteoric rise after a highly successful inaugural campaign.

 

 

 

The fan-friendly series that – among other aspects – prides itself on the real-time conversations held between fight commentators and the viewing audience has showcased more than 300 fighters during 17 live event broadcasts in its first 12 months. 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.

 

 

 

“We are extremely proud of what FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has accomplished since May 2017. We’ve had 17 shows originating from New York, Boston, Atlantic City, Philadelphia, New England, Phoenix and America’s Heartland, where many different promotions gained an incredible amount of exposure via this exciting, truly social platform. To be able to have several events where more than 150,000 people have tuned in only scratches the surface on the market interest for these events, and we are ready to take FIGHTNIGHT LIVE to the next level in year two,” said Mark Fratto, Principal and Director of Business Development, Linacre Media.

 

 

 

“Beyond the numbers, we’re really pleased with the way the shows have been presented and produced,” Fratto continued. “We’ve been able to showcase more than 300 up-and-coming fighters to fight fans all over the world, and help them expand their bases. And we’ve been able to invite our viewers to be part of the action by fostering real-time interaction between our broadcasters and viewers on the fight activity, the decisions and the knockouts; it’s the next-best thing to having a ringside seat.”

 

 

 

Now at more than 1.4 million views for the series, FIGHTNIGHT LIVE has continued to deliver impressive numbers throughout its rookie season, which has already included seven live shows in the first five months of 2018:

 

 

 

  • Over the first 11 months of programming, the numbers on the 17-show FIGHTNIGHT LIVE series have showed promise and potential for the new platform with an average of83,714 fight fans tuning in per event and more than 1.4 million fans served.

 

  • The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” from Resorts World Casino (225,000), the August CES “Super Saturday” from Foxwoods (203,000), the Sept. CES “Twin River Twinbill” from Lincoln, R.I. (157,000) and the March 17 Murphy’s “St.

 

 

  • Patrick’s Day Clash” (150,001) all logged 150,000 or more views, and collectively the 17-show series has seen a total of more than 30,000 total hours of Facebook video consumed by 1,423,132 users across all devices.

 

  • In addition to the raw viewership numbers, the fully-interactive, fan-friendly productions have seen more than 173,000 collective live post engagements(more than 10,200 per show), including more than 116,000 “likes” or “loves,” almost 30,000 comments and nearly 10,000 shares.

 

  • FIGHTNIGHT LIVE broadcasts are viewed by 76 percent men, 24 percent women. The top demographic is comprised of males ages 25-34, which encompasses approximately 30.0 percent of the audience, on average.

 

  • The Sept. 9 “Real Deal Promotions: Empire State” set a new bar with 224,658 viewsand the Sept. 15-16 DiBella-CES doubleheader carried the series to three-quarters-of-a-million views in just over four months. TheFeb. 10 Hard-Hitting Promotions “Philly Fight Night” show stands out individually with 3,421 live hours of content viewed, while the Sept. 15 DiBella card saw more than 40,000 viewer interactions including almost 39,000 “likes” or “loves” and the March 17 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 80,000 fans and more than 83,000 followers.And Facebook itself has taken notice – the world’s No. 1 social network recently profiled FIGHTNIGHT LIVE on its “Success Stories” media blog, noting the series’ use of industry best practices for production and interactivity: https://www.facebook.com/facebookmedia/success-stories/fightnight

 

 

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 Spring and Summer 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.

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

CHRISTINA HAMMER TRAINING CAMP NOTES

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WOMEN’S WBC & WBO MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION TO MAKE U.S. DEBUT IN TOUGH DEFENSE AGAINST FORMER CHAMPION TORI NELSON ON FRIDAY, JUNE 22
Tickets on Sale For Event At Masonic Temple in Detroit Headlined By Two-Time Gold Medalist Claressa Shield’s Attempt To Become A Two-Division World Champion

Unified Women’s WBC and WBO Middleweight Champion Christina Hammer has taken to the mountains of Austria for this leg of her intense training camp.

 

 

 

Hammer (22-0, 10 KOs) will make her U.S. fighting debut while defending her titles against former world champion Tori Nelson (17-1-3, 2 KOs) on Friday, June 22. The bout will serve as a supporting bout to two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and unified women’s super-middleweight champion Claressa Shields’ attempt to become a two-division world champion against unified women’s 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels at Masonic Temple in Detroit, Mich.

 

 

 

Shields vs Gabriels will be contested for the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Championships and telecast on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION at 10 p.m. ET/PT live on SHOWTIME. Extensive highlights of Hammer vs. Nelson will also be shown.

 

 

 

Hammer, of Dortmund, Germany, has dominated the women’s middleweight division since 2010. The 27-year-old says training at elevation in the mountains of Austria is bringing the best out of her.

 

 

 

How has training camp gone so far?

 

 

 

“My camp has gone well. We train three times a day and work hard to be in the best shape possible on June 22 in Detroit.”

 

 

 

Can you tell us about your current training location?

 

 

 

“We are in Austria, staying at a place in the mountains that is about 5000-feet elevation. It’s amazing here. The nature and the mountains inspire me and give me power. It’s very comfortable to do my roadwork and go to the boxing gym because everything is situated in a comfortable way.”

 

 

 

What is a typical day like at training camp? 

 

 

 

“We’ve been in Austria for the last 10 days. At 7:30 am, we start the first interval runs. At 9 am, I have breakfast and at 11 am, we go up to the mountains to our gym (which is at 6500 feet high) to do my strength and conditioning work. Later, in the afternoon, we start our boxing work. The nature and beautiful surroundings give me peace of mind.”

 

 

 

How and why is your training camp built into different stages?

 

 

 

“The mountains are perfect to prepare for the fight. You are away from your hometown stay more focused on training. The air is thin and this high level of elevation gives your body a higher level of conditioning. On June 10, we will move on to our next stage of training, which will take place in the United States. That will be to help acclimate me to the new time and climate for fight night on June 22, which is when I will put all of this hard work together and have it pay off in a big way.”

 

 

 

Who is your head trainer?

 

 

 

“My coach is Dimitrie Kirnos. I started my professional career with him. He himself was Soviet Union Boxing Champion and trained many top champions. He is old school and pushes my mind and body to the limit. He is a big part of my team we have a great bond. I have much respect and admiration for him.”

 

 

 

Have you done anything different preparing for this fight?

 

 

 

“I spar with lots of shorter fighters, like Tori Nelson. I guarantee that it will be much more explosive and impressive than Claressa Shields was against her.”

 

 

 

American fans love knockouts. Can they expect a Christina Hammer KO on June 22?

 

 

 

“That’s why I train hard and give everything in the gym. I want to be amazing that night and a knockout would be a perfect ending.”

 

 

 

What is your prediction for June 22?

 

 

 

“I will show my power and skills. People will see who the real unified Middleweight Champion of the world is. My performance will speak for itself!”

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100. VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35. 

boxing

Two time Olympic Medalist Dychko to face Marrone June 16 in St. Petersburg, FL

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June 16 poster.jpg

Tampa, FL (May 23, 2018) – Fire Fist Boxing Promotions is proud to announce two-time Olympic medalist Ivan Dychko will face former world title challenger Mike Marrone in an eight round heavyweight contest Saturday, June 16 at The Coliseum in St. Petersburg, FL.

 

 

 

Born in Kazakhstan and fighting out of Kissimmee, FL, Dychko was among the world’s top amateur boxers.

 

 

 

The 27-year-old captured a bronze medal at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. In addition to his Olympic success, Dychko is a three-time medalist at the World Amateur Champions and medaled twice at the Asian Games. As a pro, the 6’9 Dychko’s 5-0 with all of his victories coming by knockout, 3 of which came in less than a round.

 

 

 

Born and raised in Vero Beach, FL, Marrone started his career 18-0. In 2011, Marrone move down in weight to challenge Guillermo Jones for the WBA cruiserweight title but was stopped in the sixth round. Having faced world champions and contenders in Jones, Shannon Briggs, Chazz Witherspoon, DaVarryl Williamson, Francesco Pianeta and Charles Martin, Marrone, 21-8 (15 KO’s), is by far Dychko’s most experienced foe.

 

 

 

“When I got the call about adding Dychko-Marrone to the card I was over the moon,” said Jody Caliguire of Fire Fist Boxing Promotions. “Ivan has all the tools to be a future heavyweight champion and had an incredible amateur career. Mike’s fought for the world title and faced many of the best plus he’s a fan favorite in Florida. Both men have something to prove in this fight and the fans are in for a real treat.”

 

 

 

This special evening of boxing is headlined by a ten round NBA middleweight championship showdown between unbeaten Connor Coyle, an Ireland-based Tampa transplant, against bitter rival Danny “El Bebo” Pastrana of Orlando, FL.

 

 

 

The co-main event pits popular Tampa native Nicholas Iannuzzi (19-4) against Vincent Miranda (17-2) in an eight round cruiserweight affair. Iannuzzi returned from a 3 ½ year layoff in March to knockout Lemarcus Tucker in three rounds. Miranda, who fights out of Atlanta, GA and is originally from Puerto Rico, has wins over former title challengers David Telesco and Brian Barbosa.

 

 

 

Unbeaten welterweight standout Ramal Amanov, undefeated phenom Mark Reyes Jr., 126 pound powerhouse Jose “Lil Pacquiao” Resendez, Ali Tareh, Joseph Fernandez and Rodriguez Cade will all fight in separate undercard bouts.

 

 

 

Tickets are on sale now at https://www1.ticketmaster.com/event/0D00548D9F1C967E. Fire Fist Boxing Promotions is also offering a special discount for all military members, active or retired, and their families. For details on the military discount, please email Matt@Knockoutpublicity.com.

 

boxing

Crypto Boxers Announces Open Call for Contenders to #GetIntheGame

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May 23, 2018 – Crypto Boxers, the first and only boxing game operating on blockchain technology, has announced an open call for all boxers to #GetInTheGame!  Professional contenders, of all ranks, can now apply to have their own avatar created for game inclusion and thereby receive residual income after the game’s launch.Crypto Boxers is slated to launch this summer and will feature real life boxing professionals as collectible tokens for the virtual fighting action on Ethereum, an open-source, public, blockchain-based distributed computing platform and operating system featuring smart contract functionality.

 

 

 

By playing Crypto Boxers, gamers engage in virtual matches with the boxer of their choice, creating an actual ‘gloves on’ in the ring experience! By offering gamers a unique opportunity to compete while exploring the new realm of digital currency via their wins and losses, Crypto Boxers will do for cryptocurrency what Madden did for the game industry. Moving beyond the PlayStation realm, the game allows the player the opportunity to not only just compete, but to also earn upon winning as the game’s virtual boxers reap digital rewards for their wins.

 

 

 

Boxing champion Yahu “Rock” Blackwell is spearheading the game after delaying his initial fight game release to expand the concept as a means to merge into the cryptocurrency space. Hall of Famer and legendary referee Joe “Mr. Fair But Firm” Cortez is the first celebrity announcement with his own avatar calling all the fights on the game!

 

 

 

“This all started as a boxing game then became an innovative cryptocurrency concept,” explains Andrew Gilliam, Blackwell’s manager and Crypto Boxer consultant. “We then sat down as a team to discuss how can we make the game a more inclusive experience for the entire boxing community. It just made sense to invite our industry’s pioneers, current contenders and newcomers to “Get in the Game” with us! By coming on board now, fighters have an opportunity to earn long term residual income by lending their personas as fight opponents for gamer selections. It becomes a win-win for all involved!”

 

 

 

Crypto Boxers has received an overwhelming positive response with numerous professional boxers already signed up.  Perspective participants can log on at http://menminesmedia.com/2018/05/01/all-boxers-get-in-the-game/ for sign up details and information.

 

 

 

Crypto Boxers is currently fielding offers from multiple silent investors and will make the game available for pre-orders in the upcoming months. To stay updated on launch details and to earn early game rewards, sign up at http://cryptoboxers.io/.

 

 

 

Follow Crypto Boxers on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and #GetIntheGame now!

boxing, Premier Boxing Champions, Showtime, Showtime Boxing

Leo Santa Cruz Los Angeles Workout Quotes & Photos

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Featherweight World Champion Santa Cruz Rematches Four-Time World Champion Abner Mares Saturday, June 9 Live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles & Presented by Premier Boxing Champions
 
Click HERE for Photos from Esther Lin/SHOWTIME

LOS ANGELES (May 22, 2018) – Featherweight world champion Leo Santa Cruz hosted a media workout in Los Angeles Tuesday as he prepares for his world title rematch against four-time world champion Abner Mares Saturday, June 9 live on SHOWTIME from STAPLES Center in Los Angeles in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

 

 

 

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast will also feature unbeaten super welterweight world champion Jermell Charlo defending his title against former world champion Austin Trout.

 

 

 

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Ringstar Sports and TGB Promotions, begin at $50, plus applicable fees, and are on sale now. To purchase tickets visit AXS.com or click HERE.

 

 

 

Santa Cruz and Mares first battled in August 2015 at STAPLES Center with Santa Cruz earning the majority decision and a vacant featherweight title. The consensus top-five featherweights will look to put on a repeat of the performance that saw them throw over 2,000 punches combined.

 

 

 

Santa Cruz was joined at City of Angels Boxing Tuesday by his father and trainer, Jose Santa Cruz, and Ringstar Sports Chairman and CEO Richard Schaefer. Here is what they had to say Tuesday:

 

 

 

LEO SANTA CRUZ

 

 

 

“I think Abner has looked better in recent fights, but not so much that he looks unbeatable or anything. He’s shown some improvements but I feel I’ve gotten much better as well. It’s going to be a great fight and I’m going to come out victorious.

 

 

 

“He says he’s going to box me more this time, but it’s easier to say that than do it. When you get in the ring and hear the fans, they make you want to brawl. Once you hear the crowd you want to entertain them. You love to hear the people scream.

 

 

 

“I’m going to try to go out there and give the fans a great fight like I always do. I feel like I’m in great condition right now. I feel a lot stronger and even my dad has told me this is as good as he’s seen me look.

 

 

 

“I’ve learned a lot since the first Mares fight. I’ve learned how to adjust during a fight better. I’m a more complete fighter and it’s going to help me look even better this time.

 

 

 

“I’m still as motivated as ever. I have the same hunger as if this fight was for my first title. I never underestimate anyone and always give it my all in the gym. It’s no different heading into this one.

 

 

 

“We’re going to try to win bigger this time but I’ll be ready to go 12 rounds. I’d definitely love to stop him. If the knockout comes it comes, and if I see an opening I’m going to take advantage.

 

 

 

“I try to motivate my dad as much as I can by training hard. He says he’s happiest when I’m working hard so I just keeping trying to push it every day and make sure he’s happy.

 

 

 

“The two fights with Frampton definitely made me a better fighter. They gave me a lot of experience and I learned a lot from those fights. I know I’m going to be a better fighter for this fight than the first time we fought.

 

 

 

“We always prepare for 12 rounds. I’ve been going 13 rounds in sparring because my dad always likes to go one extra. This has been one of the best camps we’ve had as far as conditioning and sparring.

 

 

 

“I am ready to unify with any of the featherweight champions. Me and Gary Russell Jr. fought in the amateurs. He beat me but it was a good fight and I believe I can beat him. I know the tactics I’d use. Hopefully I can get my rematch.

 

 

 

“We’re focused on improving everything in camp. We’re working on my power, speed, foot work and all of the skills it will take to win this rematch.”

 

 

 

JOSE SANTA CRUZ, Leo’s Father & Trainer

 

 

 

“The first fight with Mares was a bit rough and even dirty at times. After four rounds I felt like they were stealing the fight from us so I told Leo to tire him out and show that he’s the better boxer. The results of the fight proved that.

 

 

 

“There are a lot of great fighters out there but not many have good defensive techniques and that is where every fighter can improve. With my kids and with Leo I have always trained him to be good defensively because anyone can throw punches but not everyone can take a punch and keep going. I have always loved this sport but I love to win even more. Leo is still growing but I think he’s the best fighter at featherweight right now.

 

 

 

“I definitely think that Mares will come with new skills to this fight and have a different approach with his new trainer now that he’s with Robert Garcia. I think he’ll try to box more and look to get us on the counterpunch.”

 

 

 

RICHARD SCHAEFER, Chairman & CEO of Ringstar Sports

 

 

 

“Leo is the kind of fighter who always rises to the occasion and always finds a way to come out victorious. It’s really a 50-50 fight. I can give you a lot of reasons why both guys are going to win. It’s the best fight on June 9 and it’s one of the best fights you’re going to see this year.

 

 

 

“Leo Santa Cruz and Abner Mares are never going to be in a boring fight. They create special action and drama in the ring. The winners are going to be the fight fans every time.

 

 

 

“This is an important fight for both of these guys. It’s about bragging rights in Los Angeles and in the loaded featherweight division. I know that it’s going to bring out the best in both fighters.

 

 

 

“Leo won a very narrow decision that could have gone either way, but Leo pulled it out in the first fight. Abner and Robert Garcia have meshed really well and Robert has been able to bring the best out of Abner. He’s going to give Leo Santa Cruz a great challenge again and with the fight in Los Angeles, the fans will definitely propel both guys to go extra hard.

 

 

 

“These are the kind of fights that fans love. This is the kind of fight that transcends boxing. These are two fighters who are just incapable of being in a boring fight. They put people on their feet.”

 

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports, www.premierboxingchampions.comand www.staplescenter.comfollow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @SHOSports, @PremierBoxing @LeoSantaCruz2, @AbnerMares, @Ringstar, @TGBPromotions@STAPLESCenter and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOSports, www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions andwww.facebook.com/STAPLESCenter.PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.

boxing, Showtime, Showtime Boxing, women's boxing

The makers of 5-hour ENERGY® shots Sign on as a Principle Sponsor of Claressa Shields vs. Hanna Gabriels Women’s Middleweight World Championship Fight on Friday, June 22 Live on SHOWTIME®

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Salita Promotions proudly announces that Living Essentials, LLC, the makers of 5-hour ENERGY®, the energy shot for hard-working people, has signed on as a principle sponsor of the upcoming “It’s Our Time to Shine” professional boxing event on Friday, June 22, at Masonic Temple in Detroit, Michigan.

 

 

 

Featuring two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and unified women’s super middleweight Champion Claressa Shields attempting to become a two-division world champion against unified 154-pound champion Hanna Gabriels, “It’s our Time to Shine” will be televised live on SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION (10 p.m. ET/PT). The two champions will be contesting for the vacant IBF and WBA Middleweight World Championships.

 

 

 

“I am delighted that the makers of 5-hour ENERGY® shots are supporting the historic world championship event taking place in Detroit,” said Salita Promotions Founder, Dmitriy Salita. ‘It’s Our Time to Shine’ will be an exciting night of professional boxing from beginning to end and I am sure a shot of 5-hour ENERGY® will keep fans engaged and energetic for all the exciting action happening in the ring.”

 

 

 

Living Essentials, LLC released the following statement: “The makers of 5-hour ENERGY® shots are excited to support Salita Promotions, as they prepare for the return of Claressa Shields and world championship boxing to Detroit – – a city rich in boxing history and the hometown of 5-hour ENERGY®.”

 

 

 

Fast and easy to consume, 5-hour ENERGY® shots are a quick, simple and effective answer to flagging energy levels in your hard-working day.. Regular strength 5-hour ENERGY® shots contain zero sugar, four calories and caffeine comparable to a cup of the leading premium coffee.

 

 

 

Shields (5-0, 2 KOs), who grew up in nearby Flint, was the first American boxer in history – male or female – to win consecutive Olympic Gold Medals. The 23-year-old turned professional following the 2016 Olympics and became unified women’s super middleweight world champion in just her fourth professional fight. Shields now begins her first camp with renowned trainer John David Jackson as she attempts to become a two-division champion.

 

 

 

Two-division champion Gabriels (18-1-1, 11 KOs) is the reigning WBA and WBO World Champion. The native of Costa Rica won her first world title at welterweight in 2009 and has since fought in an astounding 11 consecutive world-title fights. The 35-year-old won her first belt in the 154-pound division in 2010 and became unified champion in 2016. In her last bout, Gabriels avenged the only loss on her record, a 2013 defeat to then-undefeated title challenger Oxandia Castillo. She looks to become a three-division world champion on June 22.

 

 

 

SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION will also feature extensive highlights of unified women’s middleweight champion Christina Hammer (22-0, 10 KOs) as she defends her WBC & WBO titles in her U.S. debut against former world champion Tori Nelson (17-1-3, 2 KOs).

 

 

 

Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Salita Promotions, are available at Ticketmaster.com or at the Masonic Temple Box Office at (313) 832-7100. VIP tickets are priced at $300, ringside tickets at $125, and remaining tickets at $75, $50 and $35.