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Category Archives: boxing
FNU Combat Sports Show: Behind the Scenes of the New Creed Movie, Event Recaps and Previews
Tony takes Tom and Rich backstage on the set of the newest Rocky movie, Creed 2, the sequel to the breakout performance from Michael B. Jordan as Appollo Creed’s son. We also discuss Anthony Joshua’s cruise to victory over Joseph Parker and the ESPN boxing card in Quincy, Massachusetts. Then we preview the return of some big MMA events this weekend with UFC 223 and a Bellator MMA and kickboxing event.
UNDEFEATED BLUE-CHIP LIGHTWEIGHT PROSPECT DEVIN HANEY TO FACE VETERAN MASON MENARD IN MAIN EVENT OF SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION FRIDAY, MAY 11 LIVE ON SHOWTIME®
Live At 10 p.m. ET/PT On SHOWTIME From 2300 Arena In Philadelphia
NEW YORK (April 5, 2018) – Highly regarded undefeated lightweight Devin Haney will face the toughest test of his career in veteran Mason Menard in the 10-round main event of ShoBox: The New Generation Friday, May 11 live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
The 19-year-old Haney, who was a seven-time national junior amateur champion, has been considered a blue-chip prospect since turning professional at the age of 16 in Mexico. Haney (18-0, 12 KOs) will face by far the toughest opponent of his career in his ShoBox debut against Menard (33-2, 24 KOs), a two-time ShoBox veteran whose only loss in nearly a decade came to current WBO Lightweight Champion Ray Beltran.
“The boxing world will see something they’ve never seen a 19-year-old professional boxer do,” Haney said. “I’m intimidating and I know it. I’m thankful to SHOWTIME and Mason Menard for giving me this opportunity, unfortunately for him, he will get a chance to see first-hand what all the hype is about. I’ve been sparring with former world champions like Jesse Vargas in preparation for this fight. The fact that I’m fighting in the main event is bringing out the best in me. It’s my time to show the world what I’m made of and I’m coming to make a statement in this fight. Mason Menard is in trouble!”
The young and flashy Haney fights out of Las Vegas, where he has earned a reputation as a prodigy having sparred with Floyd Mayweather, Shawn Porter, Jessie Vargas and Rances Barthelemy. He compiled an amateur record of 130-8 and received a special exception from the Nevada State Athletic Commission when he was just 17 years old to make his U.S. debut on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley III.
Haney, who is trained and managed by his father, William Haney, has been active since turning pro with nine fights in 2016 and seven in 2017. In his last fight on Nov. 4, he scored a fifth-round TKO against Hamza Sempewo in Atlanta.
Menard had an emphatic win in his ShoBox debut in 2016 with a brutal Knockout of the Year nominee of previously unbeaten Eudy Bernardo. He returned later that year with a knockout victory of Bahodir Mamadjonov before facing Beltran on short notice. Prior to the 2016 loss to Beltran, Menard’s only blemish was a 2008 defeat in just his third professional fight.
“It’s a privilege for me to be able return in a fight on national television again,” Menard said. “My all-around game will be different. I have a new team, a repaired shoulder and a different outlook on things. Haney may be undefeated, but he’s never faced anyone like me. If everyone expects me to fold against an untested prospect they are in for a big surprise.”
After facing Beltran, Menard changed trainers and is now based in Los Angeles with trainers John Pullman and Buddy McGirt.
Tickets for the event, which is promoted by Greg Cohen Promotions, Devin Haney Promotions & Hard Hitting Promotions, are priced at $125 for VIP, $75 for ringside and $50 for general admission and are available at the 2300 Arena Box office or online at www.HardHittingPromotions.com.
Erislandy Lara vs. Jarrett Hurd Final Press Conference Quotes & Photos for 154-Pound World Title Unification This Saturday, April 7 Live On SHOWTIME® from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas
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“You’ve never been in a big fight. We’ll find out what you have Saturday night. Right now, you’re all talk.” – Erislandy Lara
“I’m going to show you why nobody can survive 12 rounds with Jarrett Hurd. There’s a storm coming.” – Jarrett Hurd
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
LAS VEGAS (April 5, 2018) – World champions Erislandy Lara and Jarrett Hurd went face-to-face Thursday at the final press conference for their 154-pound world title unification this Saturday, April 7 live on SHOWTIME® from Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
WBA Champion Lara and IBF Champion Hurd will meet for just the sixth unification bout in division history in a fight that will help define the future of the 154-pound class. The winner of Lara-Hurd will join Hall of Famers Terry Norris, Felix Trinidad, Oscar De La Hoya and Winky Wright, as well as Canelo Alvarez, as the only fighters to unify 154-pound titles.
Thursday’s press conference also featured IBF Super Middleweight World Champion Caleb Truax and former champion James DeGale, who meet in an immediate rematch of what was the near-universal upset of the year in 2017. In the opening bout of the SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, super welterweight contenders Julian Williams and Nathaniel Gallimore will face off in an IBF 154-pound world title eliminator.
Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available by visiting AXS.com or the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Box Office.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say Thursday from Vanity Nightclub at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas:
ERISLANDY LARA
“Everyone knows I love to fight his style. I’ve fought better and taller fighters than him and you’ve seen me dominate them. It’s going to be nothing different on Saturday night.
“I want him to come forward. That’s what I’m prepared for. I’m going to give him a lessonon Saturday night.
“I have to give Hurd credit for taking the fight. It’s been hard to get fighters in the ring with me. There’s no need to talk because on Saturday we will find out everything we need to know.
“Everyone here talking from Hurd’s team can’t get in the ring with him. It’s different once you’re in the ring with me. You’ve never been in a big fight. We’ll find out what you have Saturday night. Right now, you’re all talk.
“I’m absolutely ready for this fight. This is going to be a great battle for the fans on SHOWTIME. I’m excited to get in the ring and finally unify the decision. I’m preparing to make history.
“I haven’t watched much video on Hurd, but as we saw from the Trout fight, he’s very hittable. Come Saturday night, he better have worked on some defense or it won’t last very long.
“I don’t want to hear anything about Jermell Charlo, because Jarrett Hurd is the one who stepped up. On Sunday, Charlo can sign the contract and we can get ready to rumble.”
JARRETT HURD
“Lara has been the longest reigning champion and he was on top when I first turned pro. We’ve studied him a lot. I didn’t get into this sport to be anything but number one. Lara is the top guy, but after Saturday night, it’s going to be me.
“It’s been a great training camp. We’re well prepared. This is the fight I’ve been asking for. After I beat Tony Harrison, Erislandy Lara had some words on Twitter for me. So I’ve wanted the fight since then. Somebody has to pay for that.
“This fight is coming at the right time for me because my confidence is very high right now. He’s a little older so I’ll be the younger and fresher fighter. I just feel like it’s my time. I’m going to be relentless. I’m not stopping until I get what I want.
“Lara is a veteran with a lot of experience. He knows how to win rounds and he can make you look bad no matter how good you are. I’m going to use my own awkward style and do what I do best.
“With my power and skill set, I can stop any fighter in the division. That definitely includes Erislandy Lara.
“Lara has great discipline in his game plan. No matter if he’s up on the cards or down or anything, he’s not going to switch it up. It’s hard to break a fighter when they’re disciplined like that. We have a plan for everything though and we’re confident that we’ll come up with something that will get us the victory.
“Lara is a guy who can’t take pressure fighters well. I have some of the best pressure in the game. I’m younger, stronger, taller and longer. He’s not going to be able to run for 12 rounds.
“Nobody wanted to fight this guy. I stepped up to the table because I know what I can do. He’s living the ‘American Dream’, but my dream has just begun. Saturday night I’m going to show you why nobody can survive 12 rounds with Jarrett Hurd. There’s a storm coming.”
CALEB TRUAX
“I’m honored to be here with these great fighters and back on SHOWTIME. Training camp was perfect for this fight. This is the longest camp I’ve had in my career and the most focused I’ve been.
“I just want to go out there and silence people who said it was a fluke the first time I won. I want to prove that I belong at the top of the division. I’m going to put on a good show for the fans and retain my title.
“We’ve had four months to prepare for James DeGale. Normally I have six to eight weeks, so it was nice to have a drawn out and specific training camp. We really focused on the conditioning and making sure I’m reaching my peak.
“I’ve been through a lot in this sport. I’ve fought top guys in big fights but it finally came together last December. It meant a lot to me and now I’m prepared to put on an even better performance. I know DeGale is going to be hungry so I have to be ready for him.
“I had a great camp this fight. I knew we were going to have a rematch so I was right back in the gym in a couple of weeks. My trainer put together a great plan to help me improve and prepare for what DeGale is going to improve on. I’ll be ready for him to be 100 percent.
“I just want to get to Saturday night and put on another great performance to retain my belt. I’m going to give it my all to bring that belt back home to Minnesota.”
JAMES DEGALE
“My last performance was horrendous. It was shocking and embarrassing. I’m not going to make excuses about my shoulder and what went wrong. On Saturday night, I will be a two-time world champion. I promise you that.
“I’ve boxed at the top level my whole life and put on some good performances. I know what was wrong with me and why I performed how I did in the first fight. I’m going to put it to rest when I become a world champion again.
“It’s been a long, difficult training camp. I had a gray cloud above my head the last couple of months, but I’m ready to go become a world champion again on Saturday.
“This time has turned me into a beast. I’ve had to take everything even more seriously than before. I might have gotten a bit complacent being a champion those last few years. I’ve locked myself down and I’m ready to go.
“I would say 90 percent of the loss was because of what I didn’t do. I looked past him. I came back too quick from the injury, but he still had to get in there and take my belt. There’s no disrespect to Caleb, but I’ve fought the very best of the division and come out on top. The real James DeGale will be back on Saturday.
“It’s going to be a dominant performance on Saturday. If I don’t beat Truax and beat him easily I can’t get to the level that I want. I know that’s what is coming. No excuses.”
JULIAN WILLIAMS
“We had a really good camp. I didn’t want to get into the trash talk this camp. He’s a solid fighter and I don’t underestimate anyone. But he seems like a bully. You can’t bully me. He’s obsessed with me on social media. I just have to focus on what he can do as a fighter.
“He’s a nobody who wants some attention. I’m going to give him lots of attention on Saturday night. I’m going to shut this guy up.
“He’s going to lose every single round and probably get stopped late. Every time he gets pushed he loses, gets a draw or gets knocked down. I’m drowning him in deep waters.
“I’m calm right now but also anxious to show everyone what I have. I know I’m a world class fighter, I just have to go do it. I’m making sure I stay patient right now.
“He lost to a journeyman, got a draw with a journeyman and got dropped by a journeyman. There’s nothing else to say. I’m taking him out on Saturday.”
NATHANIEL GALLIMORE
“Saturday night is judgment day and it starts with ‘J-Pebbles’. It’s going to be a night to remember for me.
“It’s going to be a spectacular fight. I’m going to demolish him in grand fashion. He’s never faced anyone like me before. When I touch him, it’s over.
“You better worry about what’s going to happen to you on Saturday night. It’s going to be nasty. This fight is going to show everyone who I am in this division.
“I had the best training camp of my entire career. We covered all the bases. Saturdaynight I’m going to wipe the smile off his face. You think Charlo hits hard? You’re going to see on Saturday night.
“This opportunity is huge. The division is mine for the taking. I study my opponents and I stalk them in the ring. Everyone will see what’s going to happen on Saturday.”
LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions
“This is a great card from top to bottom. We have none other than the longest reigning 154-pound world champion, Erislandy Lara, taking on one of the toughest tests of his career in the very exciting, young and hungry world champion Jarrett Hurd.
“The co-main event is another important fight with a rematch featuring Caleb Truax, who will be looking to hold on to the belt he took from James DeGale last year, while DeGale will look to get back to where he was before they met last December.
“The show opens up with a high-octane 154-pound title eliminator with Julian Williams and Nathaniel Gallimore. This is the fight that could really steal the show. The winner of this fight will no doubt have their eye on the winner of Saturday’s main event.
“These are some of the best fights that can be made in each weight class. We can’t wait for everyone to see these fighters put it all on the line on Saturday night.”
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo, or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
Demetrius Andrade “I am ready for Golovkin on May 5th”
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USA Boxing announces Duke Ragan & Virginia Fuchs 2017 Under Armour Elite Boxers of the Year
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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 5, 2018 — USA Boxing has announced that Duke Ragan (Cincinnati, OH) and Virginia Fuchs (Kemah, TX) have been named 2017 Under Armour Elite Boxers of the Year. They are leading contenders to represent Team USA at the 2020 Olympics in Japan.
 Last year, the 20-year-old Ragan used his stiff jab and ring intelligence to make a major statement in the ring for the first time in International competition. The slick bantamweight (123 lbs.) captured gold at his initial International tournament, the Chemistry Cup in Halle, Germany, before he clinched a ticket to his first World Championships, by way of his bronze-medal winning performance at the 2017 Continental Championships in Honduras.
Ragan’s third International medal of 2017 came at the 2017 Elite Men’s World Championships, where he won a silver medal, marking the highest placing for an American bantamweight at that prestigious tournament since 1999.
 Fuchs, 30, had a perfect 18-0 record in 2017, including 15 unanimous decision victories and one by RSC (referee stopped contest). Highlighted by winning top honors in the flyweight division (112 lbs.) at the 2017 USA Elite National Championships at Salt Lake City, Utah, Virginia also won at the Balkan Tournament, Continental Championships, Feliks Stamm Tournament, and Strandja Tournament. She won gold at all four International tournaments she entered.
A winner at the 2016 Olympic Trials, Fuchs graduated from Louisiana State University in 2011 with a degree in Kinesiology.
Below is a complete list of USA Boxing’s 2017 Under Armour Boxer of the Year award winners:
2017 Under Armour Boxer of the Year Awards
Elite Male – Duke Ragan (Cincinnati, OH)
Elite Female – Virginia Fuchs (Kemah, TX)
Youth Male – Angel Martinez (Rockford, IL)
Youth Female – Citlalli Ortiz (Coachella, CA)
Junior Male – Dante Benjamin (Shaker Heights, OH)
Junior Female — Gabriela Fundora (Coachella, CA)
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @USABoxing
Instagram: @USABoxing
Facebook: /USABoxing
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Showdown Between Unbeaten Super Welterweights Sebastian Fundora & Veshawn Owens Highlights Undercard Action Friday, April 13 from the Armory in Minneapolis
Exciting Night of Action Features Veteran Contender Haskell Rhodes Plus, a Lineup of Rising Local Talent
MINNEAPOLIS (April 5, 2018) – A showdown between unbeaten super welterweights highlights undercard action on Friday, April 13 as Sebastian Fundora (8-0, 4 KOs) meets Minnesota’s Veshawn Owens (9-0, 9 KOs) in an eight-round bout from the Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The event is headlined by welterweight contender Jamal James fighting in his hometown against Abel Ramos in the main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes. The telecast begins at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT and will see rugged veteran Edner Cherry battling rising lightweight Dennis Galarza in a 10-round bout and Austin Dulay and Chris Colbert clashing in an eight-round match between unbeaten super featherweight prospects. Also appearing on the card is sensational 17-year-old 154-pound prospect Joey Spencer (1-0, 1 KO), a former No. 1 ranked amateur and nine-time national champion.
Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by Warriors Boxing and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and are available by visiting www.ArmoryMN.com.
The action continues with veteran contender Haskell Rhodes returning to action to take on Wisconsin’s Mikey Fowler in a six-round lightweight showdown.
Also entering the ring on April 13 are a trio of unbeaten Minneapolis-natives as Marlin Sims faces Trevor Marmon in a four-round lightweight bout, Celso Ramirez battles Brandon Baue in a four-round super welterweight contest and Giezwa Pierre Hobbs takes on Raymond Chaco for a four-round super featherweight duel. The action concludes with Coon Rapids, Minnesota’s Uriel Lara in a four-round super welterweight fight against Thomas Amaro.
The 6-foot-6 Fundora, known as “The Towering Inferno”, is unbeaten since turning pro in 2016 and picked up seven victories during a busy 2017 campaign. The 20-year-old fights out of Coachella, California and will make his 2018 debut against the Minneapolis-native Owens. The 26-year-old Owens picked up four victories by stoppage in 2018.
A multi-sport athlete who has competed in both boxing and mixed martial arts professionally, Oklahoma City’s Rhodes (25-2-1, 12 KOs) bounced back from decision losses to former champion Sergey Lipinets and Edner Cherry to defeat Lenwood Dozier and most recently stop Jonathan Nelson. The 30-year-old Rhodes was unbeaten in his first 23 pro fights and will look to make it three in a row when he faces the 25-year-old Fowler out of Milwaukee.
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FS1 or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.comhttp://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage and www.foxdeportes.com.
Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @WarriorsBoxProm, @FS1, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FS1 & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
Erislandy Lara vs. Jarrett Hurd Fight Week Media Workout Quotes & Photos
World Champions Square-Off in 154-Pound Title Unification that Headlines SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING TripleheaderSaturday, April 7 from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas
Click HERE for Photos from Stephanie Trapp/SHOWTIME
LAS VEGAS (April 4, 2018) – World champions Erislandy Lara and Jarrett Hurd began fight week with a media workout in Las Vegas Wednesday before their 154-pound world title unification that headlines action this Saturday, April 7 live on SHOWTIME from Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.
Also in attendance Wednesday was super middleweight world champion Caleb Truax, who rematches former champion James DeGale in the co-featured attraction. The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT with a 154-pound title eliminator between Julian Williams and Nathaniel Gallimore, who were also at the Mayweather Boxing Club Wednesday for the media workout.
Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions and Mayweather Promotions, are on sale now and available by visiting AXS.com or the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Box Office.
Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:
ERISLANDY LARA
“Everything in training went how it was supposed to. We did our job and now it’s time to fight. I did everything in the gym that I needed to prepare for anything that Hurd can bring.
“All of my opponents are taller than me. His size means nothing to me. I have the experience and I’m the best boxer in the division. He’s never seen anything like me.
“He has to beat me to get the top spot in this division. I’m here to make sure that doesn’t happen.
“I’ve earned everything in this sport the hard way. I’ve fought the tough fights for no money. I think everyone knows how talented I am and that I belong up there with the best in the sport.
“I don’t watch film in training camp. A fighter can look one way on video, but totally different in the ring. He has to prepare for what I’m doing. I’m not worried about what he brings. I saw a little bit of his fight against Trout while I was warming up to fight Terrell Gausha, but that’s about it.”
JARRETT HURD
“There was something in me that always wanted this fight. Once I defended my title against Austin Trout, I was quick to get on top of this opportunity.
“This is going to be a difficult fight. Lara is the type of fighter who has a lot of experience. It won’t be easy so I have to be well prepared and on top of my game come Saturday night.
“We’ve been in the gym working a lot on our hand movement and footwork. I took too many punches against Trout and I knew what it was going to take to make those improvements.
“Every fight is the most important fight of my career because I’m protecting this undefeated record. This is going to be a tough fight but I promise I’m going to give it my all and bring it to Lara all night long.
“Being back in Vegas and back at Hard Rock where I beat Frank Galarza to really get this whole journey started means a lot to me. I’m planning to give everyone a great show just like I always do.
“No matter what kind of fight he brings; I’m going to stick to my game plan. He has to fight at my pace. No matter what he comes with, I’m going to be in charge in the ring.
“It’s always going to be fireworks when I’m in the ring. I have a fan-friendly style. At the end of the day, you don’t have to worry about Lara running away, because I’m going to be in his face for 12 rounds.”
CALEB TRUAX
“I think DeGale has been making excuses. He couldn’t stop talking about how great his shoulder felt heading into our first fight. Then right after the fight he said he felt fine. Now I guess he came back too early. He was in a tough fight not too long ago, so we’ll see how he is on Saturday night.
“I’m prepared for a better James DeGale. I took his belt and I know he’s going to come back hungry. I expect him to give it his all to get it back. He’ll be in top form.
“As far as I know, I’m still an underdog for this fight. A lot of people think I was a fluke the first time around, so it’s up to me to prove them wrong. I’m ready to silence the critics and silence DeGale.
“I felt like I was going to win the whole time, but a lot of people said it was one of the biggest upsets in British boxing history. It still hasn’t really sunk in. Nothing has really changed. I’m a busier man but I still keep it really low key.
“Boxing isn’t a huge sport in Minneapolis because it’s such a great sports scene. Hopefully my win on Saturday and Jamal James on April 13 on PBC on FS1 will get some more kids into the gyms.
“There were plenty of things that I had to improve on after the first fight. I’ve had four months to really dig down and prepare for this fight. I’ve known the rematch was coming and I’ve been able to get ready.”
JULIAN WILLIAMS
“I had a really good camp. I really was just focused on getting better and moving forward in my career. I got a lot of great rounds in with some quality fighters and it was a really productive camp.
“I love fighting in Las Vegas. The electricity is always there and the fans are always welcoming. I love putting on a show for these fans.
“I think Gallimore has performed decently against the competition he’s had. He got beat by a journeyman and had a draw with another journeyman. He seems to have gotten hot at the right time, but we’ll see if he brings it on Saturday night.
“He’s backing himself into a corner. He has to back up those words he’s saying. Overall I think he’s a solid fighter, a good test and it should be an entertaining fight.
“He said he’s going to knock me out, but that’s really the only way he could possibly win. One lucky punch. That’s all he’s banking on. I’m going to out class him and out dog him.
“I’ve always known I had guts, I’ve always known I’m a really good fighter with all the tools to become a world champion. I didn’t need to learn anything about myself after the loss, I just had to correct some things and move forward.”
NATHANIEL GALLIMORE
“I feel great right now, I’m ready for the world to see the improved ‘Nate The Great’. I treat every fight like a world championship fight. Julian Williams has nothing for me. He has to worry about what I bring to the table. On Saturday night, it’s going to be judgement day. The truth will come out.
“This fight means a lot to me. This is what I’ve been dreaming about since I was a little kid. This is my chance to become great. I’m going to show the world I’m a different beast in the 154-pound division.
“I’m bringing total domination for this fight. I don’t care what he’s training for. He could be training on Mars. He has to get up to my level. I’m tearing him apart.
“I’m taking this fight so seriously. Julian Williams is quiet now, but he was loud before he fought Jermall Charlo. He has to figure out who he is. I’m going to show the whole world.
“The game plan is to show off my whole arsenal. We’ve covered everything in the gym. I’m a different animal. Everyone in this division better look out for me. They’re going to have to crown me real soon.”
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For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports,www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @MayweatherPromo, or become a fan on Facebook atwww.Facebook.com/SHOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MayweatherPromotions. PBC is sponsored by Corona, La Cerveza Mas Fina.
Tony Lopez, Jr. plans to get back into bantamweight mix by defeating unbeaten prospect “The Baby-Faced Assassin” Max Ornelas
MAX ORNELAS vs. TONY LOPEZ
Vacant WBA NABA United States Bantamweight Championship
Saturday night, April 20, 2018 ● Cox Pavilion ● Las Vegas, Nevada
| April 20 on beIN Sports live from Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas |
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LAS VEGAS (April 4, 2018) – Mexican bantamweight Tony Lopez, Jr. (13-3, 4 KOs) believes an impressive victory April 20th over his Roy Jones Jr., Boxing Promotions (RJJ) stablemate, unbeaten bantamweight prospect “The Baby-Faced Assassin” Max Ornelas (10-0-1, 4 KOs), will get him back in the mix.
Ornelas vs. Lopez, Jr., presented RJJ Boxing Promotions, will air live on beIN Sports, starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT, from Cox Pavilion on the University of Nevada at Las Vegas campus.
The vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) North American Boxing Association (NABA) USA bantamweight title will be on the line in the eight-round main event.
A UNLV sophomore who lives in Las Vegas, the 19-year-old Ornelas is ranked by the World Boxing Association (WBA) at No. 14 in the world. “I’ve had several fights where my role was reversed, and I was fighting in my hometown in front of my fans, friends and family,” Dallas resident Lopez, Jr. spoke about fighting Ornelas on the road. “I wanted to put on a show and they were screaming like crazy before the opening bell. Once the fight started, though, I didn’t see or hear them. It was just me and my opponent. I’ve fought in Las Vegas a few times and I’m comfortable fighting him (Ornelas) there. I understand that this is part of my job, a requirement, regardless of fighting him in his hometown. I like pressure.”
Lopez, Jr. was born in Mexico, but he’s lived nearly his entire life in Texas. His father,Tony Lopez, Sr., was an ex-fighter from Mexico who got his son into boxing when he was six. Now, Lopez, Jr. fights for Roy Jones, Jr.
“It’s surreal,” the rugged southpaw admitted. “I’m fighting for a living legend, arguably one of the greatest boxers of all time. He knows me, he’s seen me fight. It’s an honor to wear his gear, not only as a fan of his, but to represent his company. It’s one of the coolest things in this business.”
Ornelas is also promoted by RJJ Boxing Promotions and they’ve fought together on two RJJ cards. They’re familiar with each other and, if styles truly make great fights, this one could turn out to be an instant classic.
“He’s (Max) a very clean fighter, by the books, not wanting to get into scrapes,” the 24-year-old Lopez spoke about his opponent. “He strides and moves, not looking to bang or exchange. He likes to fight on the outside, using his size and length. He’s fast but doesn’t have a lot of power. It’s hit and not get hit for him. He has a lot of holes and me being the more experienced fighter, I plan to expose some of those holes.
“Back in May of 2016, I fought and undefeated opponent, Jerren Cochran (11-0-1), and I knew it was an audition for Roy and RJJ. I came out in a full attack mode because I wanted to make a statement. ((Lopes knocked our Cochran in the second round.) I’m looking to make another statement this time around by fighting like I did earlier in my career.
“I’m faster, stronger and have better head movement than him. I’m still young but I have more life experience than him (Ornelas). I’m still young, only 24, but I have more experience than him going into this fight. I’ve fought a former world champion (Rico Ramos). I’m part of a new team and my FHG Gloves teammates are John Vera, who just fought for a world title, and Edwin Vasquez. An impressive victory will put me right back in the mix for a big Saturday night fight for an even bigger title.”
Unbeaten World Boxing Council (WBC) United States welterweight champion Jimmy “Quiet Storm” Williams (14-0-1, 5 KOs), a former college football player from New Haven, Connecticut, tangles with Houston’s Marquis Taylor (8-1, 0 KOs) in the eight-round, co-featured event..
Highly-touted Uzbekistan-native Elnur Abduraimov, now fighting out of Las Vegas, will make his professional in a four/six-round bout versus an opponent to be determined, opening the televised segment of the card. Abduraimov won a bronze medalist at the 2015 World Amateur Championships, as well as gold at the 2015 Asian Amateur Boxing Championships.
Australian super welterweight and past world title challenger, Tommy “The Titan” Browne(35-7-2, 13 KOs), faces Carlos Hernandez (15-17, 12 KOs), of Puerto Rico, in an eight-round bout.
2016 World Juniors Championships silver medalist Gabriel Flores, Jr. (6-0, 5 KOs), a 17-year-old sensation from Stockton, CA, squares off against Mexico-native Alejandro Rochin(5-1, 3 KOs), fighting out of Oklahoma City, in a six-round match.
Also scheduled to be in action in six-round fights are Las Vegas super lightweight Kevin Johnson (4-0, 4 KOs) vs. TBA, and undefeated Roy Jones protégé Shady Gamhour (6-0, 5 KOs), a Swedish middleweight now living in Jones’ hometown of Pensacola, FL, will be tested by Mexican Erasmo Garcia (5-2, 3 KOs).
Pro-debuting Las Vegas junior lightweight Jaime Gomez and Ivan Ortiz (1-0-1, 1 KO), of Los Angeles, will clash in a four-rounder.
All fights and fighters are subject to change.
Tickets are priced at $100.00 Ringside, $40.00 Reserved Seating & $25.00 General Admission, and available to purchase online at http://www.unlvtickets.com/eventInfo/spe/687/ornelas-vs-lopez/Taxes and fees apply to all sold tickets.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. PT with the opening bout scheduled at 6:00 p.m. PT. |
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INFORMATION:
Websites: http://www.RoyJonesJrBoxing.com http://www.beinsports.com/us
Twitter: @RoyjonesJRfa, @beINSPORTS ,
Instagram: @RoyJonesJRboxing, @beINSportsusa, @artofmusiclv, @cervezatecate, @rivalboxinggear, use #RoyJonesJr, #RJJ, #MaxLopez
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RJJBoxing http://www.facebook.com/beinsportsusa
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Premier Boxing Champions on FOX & FOX Deportes – Josesito Lopez vs. Miguel Cruz El Paso Press Conference Quotes & Photos
PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes Saturday, April 28 from Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas
Click HERE for Photos from Juan Yepez/TGB Promotions
EL PASO, TX (April 4, 2018) – Fighters competing on an exciting night of Premier Boxing Champions on FOX and FOX Deportes hosted a press conference in El Paso, Texas Wednesday ahead of their respective showdowns on Saturday, April 28from the Don Haskins Center in El Paso.
In attendance Wednesday was former title challenger Josesito Lopez and unbeaten welterweight Miguel Cruz, who meet in a 10-round bout, plus El Paso’s Abraham Han, who battles former champion Anthony Dirrell in a super middleweight contest, and unbeaten featherweight Jorge Lara, who faces exciting brawler Claudio Marreroin a featherweight matchup.
Tickets for the show, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
Here is what the participants had to say Wednesday from the Wyndham El Paso Hotel:
JOSESITO LOPEZ
“I feel really good physically and I’m excited for this fight. This is the kind of fight I’ve been looking for. I have a good undefeated opponent in front of me who’s coming to win. That motivates me.
“I’m completely focused and I haven’t felt this good in a really long time. On April 28 I’m going to give it my all and come out with this victory. I refuse to lose this fight.
“It’s been a dream to fight in Texas and I’m so happy to be here in El Paso. I’m going to embrace this challenge and give the fans what they deserve.
“I know that I have to be ready for anything and with Robert Garcia in my corner, there’s no doubt I’ll be prepared. Cruz is young and hungry but I just have to show why I’ve been competing at a high level for so long.”
MIGUEL CRUZ
“I’m very excited to be here in this fight. I have a lot of respect for what Josesito Lopez has done in this game. There’s no doubt he’s an accomplished fighter. I believe this is my time.
“I’m going to leave everything in the ring to win this fight. That’s what I feel in my heart. I believe in my training. I’ve been working and working and I know what’s in front of me.
“This isn’t going to be easy. It won’t be easy for me and it sure won’t be easy for him. Don’t miss this fight on April 28.
“This is going to be a great show from top to bottom. I know the Mexican fans in El Paso will be out in full. It’s an honor to compete on this stage against a great competitor. I’m ready for the test.”
ABRAHAM HAN
“I’m fighting a former world champion at 168-pounds. Anthony Dirrell is a great fighter and I know that I’m going to have to avoid his power. I’m going to be quick and use all my skills.
“This is going to be a great fight on April 28. I’m fighting in my hometown of El Paso, and I do not lose here. Something about this town turns me into a ‘super saiyan.’
“I’m going to be strong and when I get the opportunity, I’m looking to hurt Dirrell. This is a fight that can get me to a world title fight.
“My sister, (IBF Featherweight World Champion) Jennifer Han, was the first women’s world champion from El Paso. I’m looking to become the first male world champion from here. El Paso needs to come out and support one of its’ own on April 28. This is a great fight town and we have a chance to show everyone on fight night.”
JORGE LARA
“It’s an honor and a pleasure to be here in El Paso. I’m very motivated for this fight and honored to battle with Claudio Marrero.
“We will leave El Paso with my hand raised. I know that this will be a tough fight, but I’m training very hard to get this win. This is a chance to prove that I deserve a world title shot.
“I feel I’m ready to challenge anyone in the division right now. I’m going to earn it in the ring and keep working hard every day until I have that belt around my waist.”
ROBERT GARCIA, Lopez’s Trainer
“We have a great team in the gym and we’re focused on Josesito’s fight on April 28. We know Cruz is a tough fight. He’s an undefeated fighter that knows a win over Josesito could get him a title fight.
“Since Josesito’s been with me we’ve been working hard and training for over two years. He’s improved so much and come April 28 he’s going to show everyone that he’s ready to challenge the world champions. We have to beat guys like Cruz to get to those fights.
“The fans in Texas are always great. This is a great boxing city and every time we’re in El Paso we get nothing but love. We appreciate it and hope to see you all at the fight.”
O’NEIL WATSON, Cruz’s Trainer
“I have a young fighter who I’ve been with since he was twelve years old. He got his first win with me. I’ve been there to guide him through everything he’s done in boxing.
“If you want to be a world champion, you have to be willing to fight guys like Josesito Lopez. We know what we’re preparing for and I know that Miguel Cruz is going to end the night with the win.”
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Fans can live stream the fights on FOX Sports GO, available in English or Spanish through the FOX or FOX Deportes feeds. The fights are available on desktop at FOXSportsGO.com and through the app store, or connected devices including Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Xbox One and Roku. In addition, all programs are also available on FOX Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com,www.tgbpromotions.com, http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage andwww.foxdeportes.com. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @TGBPromotions, @FOXTV, @FOXDeportes and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions and www.facebook.com/foxdeportes. Highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions. PBC on FOX & FOX Deportes is sponsored by Corona Extra, La Cerveza Mas Fina.